I learned at the foot of Ralph Mole', the first show I ever did was the LA Times Indoor Track Meet for Ralph in 1986. I started out as a spotter/statistician for him on track and field but he allowed me broader opportunities. First on the Olympic Festivals in 1989 and 1990 and then on the AVP professional beach volleyball circuit. I was a proud, charter member of the Windfall Academy. I probably ended up doing well over 60-70 shows with Ralph over the years.

Ralph was a very good producer, director and very technically savvy. He was always ahead of the curve in this crazy business.

There will be a lot written about this great man. But one of the things a lot of people may not know is Ralph's command of the language. He always had a pithy remark to deliver. Some of his best that I recall was when he called the "Tour of California" the "Tour de Trainwreck." One time when I was supposed to be help him on a race of some sort on the track, he told me to put my "fucking stopwatch down and watch TV." When Sinjin Smith would launch a skyball on the AVP he would erupt with the call "Skyball Corny, Skyball" for the Texas-based cameraman to follow. There are so many of them and I am too old to recall.

Secondly, the man could play a MEAN guitar. Hearing Ralph and John Gonzalez play together was a true highlight.

I met his son Todd in Los Angeles and he was so kind to get my daughter and I into to see Conan O'Brien. Todd seems like a wonderful young man and I am sure he will carry on the Mole' name with great honor.

RIP Ralph and thanks for all that you have done for me and others in the industry.

Tom Feuer

So shocked and sad to hear this. My deepest sympathy for everyone who was close to Ralph. What a great person. He absolutely provided one of my favorite stories of my entire career in television (that I sincerely hope you won't consider rude that I'm sharing...!). The Tour of China Bike Race. Wow. Working this event with Ralph and a handful of others was nothing short of amazing. As a stage race, we traveled to several venues around China together like rock stars! Police escorts racing us to edit facilities to capture the incredulousness of the entire race.  One evening, while we were working late to complete the edit before our deadline... Ralph disappeared down a dark hallway for a good amount of time..... when he came back he was giggling a little, but got his head down and finished the edit on time.  On the way out he shared with us that he had suffered a bit of 'Mao's revenge' and had forgotten to "BYOTP"... he lifted his ankle up and revealed that he no longer had any socks. Keep in mind the toilets in this facility at that time, was a hole in the floor. Not an easy situation to remove socks.

WE BUSTED UP FOR THE REST OF THE TRIP!  Thank you Ralph. For so so many great memories and laughs.  

My sincerest condolences to the Molé family.  I, too am a proud graduate of the “Windfall Academy”.  I was lucky enough to work with Ralph at ESPN and for many years on varied remote events. A presence to be reckoned with, for sure.

He was instrumental in guiding me through my initial years as a freelancer. I am grateful for his advice and for the many opportunities he gave me. Rest easy, Ralph.

To say that Ralph Molé had a profound impact on my life and career would be an understatement. As a proud graduate of the often dubbed "WindfalI Academy", I learned more in my time with him than I have at another phase of my career. I am deeply saddened to hear of his loss, while ever grateful for the time we had his presence. 

To Brett, Todd & Eugenia - I wish you all strength in love during this difficult time. 

My heart broke today as I received this news of Ralph’s passing, and I had no idea that Sandra had recently left us as well. I worked MANY shows with Ralph in my early years in television and I will never forget the many day & night sessions at his place, Windfall Productions, calling Golden Four T&F meets, as well as other events. We had great fun traveling to international T&F meets for ESPN. Thanks to Ralph, I had my first chilled glass of the digestive Limoncello after a fantastic dinner in Rome, just a few steps away from the Trevi Fountain. We talked about that many times over the years, one of those moments when our careers give us not just another event to work, but an experience that deepens a friendship. 

His wife Sandra could not have been more lovely. 

To Brett, whom I met in our TV business, I send my deepest condolences to you and your siblings. I cannot imagine what you all are managing, but I pray that God will give you the strength you need to honor your parents, keep you all close now, and in the days to come. 

With my deepest sympathy,

Lewis Johnson 

Brett, Todd, and Eugenia,

I’m sorry you are going through this. My sincerest  condolences for you at this time. Wishing you peace, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.  May all the treasured memories comfort you. 

Condolences to Ralph’s sons.  Ralph was my producer for a decades worth of professional water ski and wakeboard tour shows for ESPN and other networks.   We developed a bond, had some great laughs, and l learned so much from him.  A wonderful guy, dry sense of humor, and very cool.  I treasure the memories with Ralph.  Rest In Peace my friend.

Terry Dorner

I worked with Ralph for years from the early 90's onward - a ton of World Cup ski events, X-Games, Olympics, Track & Field and more as his EVS op. His directing was among the best I ever experienced. His eye, attention to detail, and crystal-clear communication at warp speed were unparalleled - not to mention the humor and fun we had during many of the events.

 We started a freelance band together, the Faceplants, and jammed regularly. The audio guys recorded many of our jams, just for us. I was one of the 'song' guys - Ralph was not, but he made them all sound soooo much better. He was one of the best guitar players I've ever played with - his repertoire of licks and taste and feel were rare. And he was always the instigator - he was always ready to jam. The world has lost a great director, amazing musician, a good man, and to me a dear and special friend . He will be missed by many, myself included. Condolences to Brett and Todd, wishing you both strength. Rock on, Ralph....