Ralph Bennett

I knew Ralph since the mid seventies when he was CEO of Bonney, Bennett, and Peters. We were introduced through our mutual friend attorney Wayne Helikson. Ralph, Wayne, and myself formed the infamous real estate investment group, The Continental Land and Cattle Company. We built and sold a duplex and a 24 unit apartment house. For good reason we never owned any cattle. We would occasionally meet at some Saloon and discuss CLCC and world events. Ralph was genius and a great friend. RIP Ralph.

Karen and I returned from a month in Europe (vacation and business). I was surprised that I felt rather depressed after a wonderful time with our grandkids and family, and successful business meetings. Normally I come home refreshed and ready to go. It took me a couple of days to realized I was grieving Ralph's passing. For the past six years Ralph has shared dinner with us Tuesdays and Thursdays. Originally he would drive himself. Lately we would pick him up from Memory Care. He was always a welcome guest and to the end an interesting conversationalist. I never got tired of hearing over again one of his many and varied stories. His hand shake was always firm as he stepped into our kitchen. One of the things that surprised me the most about Ralph was how well he took to a more constricted life as his age diminished his capabilities and physical stamina. Independence was a montra for Ralph--probably from High School when he moved away from home. Yet I can count on one hand the times when he was geniunely grumpy about his situation. Yes, that caught me by surpise. He was a mentor to me throughout my professional life (he was on our company's Board of Advisers from the very beginning). Then how he faced his own old age with gratitude was even a bigger mentoring. I hope my attitude will remain half as gracious and kind.

So beautiful!