Ralph R. Michael
March 06, 2017
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Service Details
“Plan your work, and work your plan. The long windy road came to an end.”
Ralph R. Michael passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at the age of 90. He was born January 26, 1927, in Mounds, IL to Abraham and Margaret Michael. He was a man who was strong in both will and spirit. He worked as a sales manager for most of his life. Ralph was outgoing and was always a friend to everyone he met. He was proud of his service in World War II as a Merchant Marine, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific conflicts.
He leaves behind his five children, Rene (Mary) of Ferndale, WA, Glenn of Glendale, AZ, Mark (Desirae) of Carson City, NV, Val (Becky) of Altoona, IA and Annette of TX, goddaughter, Carrie Lane Aker of Eugene, OR, sister, Sue Keener, 13 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Ray Michael and Joe Michael.
There will be a graveside service held at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Russ Aker
11/30/2020
Years ago Ralph started as a cab driver in Cedar Rapids, IA. With his charismatic personality he was quite successful. Not being fulfilled he thought he wound inquire with the Des Moines police or fire department, maybe join the force. A turn of events changed his life
As it turned out, he had a fare one day who was quite struck by Ralphs charismatic way. As he was exiting Ralphs cab he handed him a business card and asked that Ralph give him a call. The man happened to be a senior VP with American Brands
Now as Paul Harvey would sayHere is the rest of our story
When I first saw Ralph it was 1971. He was the new western regional manager for American Brands (American Brands, Inc.)
He came into the Glaser Brothers Warehouse that day where I worked (now Core-Mark International Inc).
This was Ralphs first stop at the Core Mark facility in Portland, OR as the new regional representative for American Brands one of Core-Marks vendors. He was dressed to the 9s and oh what a charismatic figure of a person he was. I was just a warehouseman. My co-workers and I were in awe of this dashing person in a suit, trench coat over his arm with entourage...we wondering, "who was this manMust be very important."
His first mission that day was to introduce himself to all the staff including us lowly warehouseman.
Ralph would visit our
warehouse periodically
and was always sure to say hello and quite often roll up his sleeves and give us a hand in the warehouse for a few minutes. All the men and women, warehouse, clerical and management staff looked forward to his visits.
In 1976 Cheryl and I purchased a piece of property to build a home. On a visit to the site with our builder he said, We are building the house next door as well. We think youll really enjoy your new neighborsRalph and Charlene Michael. Our first child Carrie was born in 1977. Ralph and Charlene became her God ParentsRalph always loved his title The God Father. Our second child Sean Michael was born in 1979Yes we picked his middle name for our love of Ralph Michael (and we did like the name Michael anyway, it flowed nicely with Sean...lol) The friendship continued to blossom through the years. Weve met all his children but one son and daughter. Weve come to know and love his sons Glen Val and Rene and feel a part of the extended Michael family.
In 2009 Ralph decided it was time to go back home to Iowa. So the Michael family, sons Glen, Val And Vals wife Becky came out to Oregon and we all helped Ralph pack and prepare for the trip back home.
Cheryl and I decided we would take this final road trip with Ralph. We loaded the balance of his personal items in his pickup and hit the road. Oh what a great trip it was. We made many stops along the way and had a wonderful time. I drove, Ralph rode shotgun and Cheryl reclined in the rear jump seatoh what fun we had.
We met up with Val Becky the kids and grandkids in Des Moines and spent a great weekend together.
Although we've spoke with Ralph several times since he went home we did not get a chance to go back and see him againId sure like to have given him one last hugBut the Aker family has many fond memories of our time together and we continue a wonderful relationship with his family.
Thanks Ralph, we love you.
Louise Allen
03/15/2017
Ralph was a special person with
a heart of gold.
He once made me a big pot of
chicken noodle soup when I had
the flu.
He will always be remembered
as a treasured friend.
John Puttman Sr.
03/12/2017
Ralph
You and our Quest group were part of my life for many years. You were a true friend. You were always there for everyone. You loved a good time and were respectful of all. We really missed you when you moved back east. You're in a better place. My prayers are with you and your family.
Ru Aker
03/12/2017
To me you were bigger than life. I will always think of you and miss you. You have a big place in my heart which is full of great warm memories. Thank you for your friendship all these years, Russ.
Sandy Wilson
03/12/2017
Ralph you were one of a kind. You would pass by in your pickup and hold up the cardboard sign saying "See ya"...you were missed when you moved away a few years ago. But the memories linger on.
Cheryl Aker
03/12/2017
The past fews days I have been reading the journal I kept as you, Russ and I traveled home to Iowa. What a wonderful time we had - stopping whenever we wanted - every landmark - most little towns, and of course occasionally so you could "call the cows" for us. It was the best of times, Ralph, the best of times. To say you are missed, is an understatement. Love you so, as you know, Cheryl.