Castina Ridge

Castina Denice Ridge was born February 9th, 1976 in Los Angeles, CA and celebrated her 49th birthday this year. She passed away Friday evening, May 30th at her residence in Kent, Washington.

In the Summer of 1983, Castina and her family moved to Washington and have remained here ever since. Castina received her GED in 1993 and after receiving a Business and Computer Occupations Certificate in 2001, Castina began her career at Alamo Rent-A-Car, but she did not stop there. Castina was hard working, head strong, and savvy.

She was hired at the Port of Seattle in 2004 and spent 22 years serving the Port. She was passionate about bringing people of color and diverse businesses into the airport. As the Airport Dining and Retail Program Manager, Castina changed the landscape of business at the airport. She was adamant that job opportunities were shared with everyone and helped many minority businesses obtain their ACDBE Certification. She developed workshops to provide resources and was a key contributor in developing numerous other programs. Castina was an advocate, a leader, and will forever impact the Port of Seattle.

Throughout her life, Castina was known for kindness, humor, and generosity to everyone around her. Always willing to give without expecting anything in return. She believed in the power of connection and conversation. Her love expanded beyond state lines. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family; she enjoyed music, camping, fishing, and celebrated life’s little moments.

Cherishing Castina’s beautiful memory are her parental figures Cynthia Alexander, Harry Alexander, and Tina Ridge, her daughter Rayven Palmer and son-in-law Tyler Burks, brothers Henry Ridge, Larry Ridge, and Ezekiel Ridge, as well as their spouses and loving children. She is also survived by Raymond Palmer, Lisa Phair and her children, and her numerous nieces and nephews. Castina was loved by a host of cousins, friends, and co-workers. She was preceded in death by her father Henry Robert Ridge Sr, her sister Tamisha Ridge, and her brother Mikiel Kemp.

Castina’s spirit will remain with us forever, and her memory will carry on in our hearts.