Ralph William Precious

PRECOIUS, JR., MR. RALPH WILLIAM North Muskegon, MI Ralph William Precious, Jr., beloved husband, father & friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 4, 2003. He was born on July 22, 1929 in Michigan City, IN to Ralph & Ruth PaynePrecious & married the former Sylvia Weeks on December 22, 1951 in Temple, TX. A talented trombonist that enjoyed playing swing & jazz, Ralph earned a music scholarship to Wichita State University where he attended from 1947 to 1950. He then served his country in the U.S. Army Signal Corp & Special Services during the Korean War. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1955 with a degree in Political Science, earning a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan in 1964. During his 35 year career in city & county government, Ralph served as the City Manager of Oxford, MI, St. Johns, MI as well as DeKalb, IL & Maywood, IL. In 1969 he moved his family to Mogadiscio, Somalia where he worked with the Agency for International Development as Project Director. He was responsible for establishing a functioning water system for the nomadic tribes of that country for the first time. In 1979 he was one of three city managers chosen by the International City Managers Association to tour the many developing countries of Africa, helping new governments to create their municipal infrastructures. Muskegon was his hometown for the past 31 years. As Muskegon County Administrator from 1972 to 1985, he was proud of his many contributions such as creating Heritage Landing from a dump site, overseeing construction of the original waste water system, development of the Hilton Holiday Inn Hotel & as the original proponent of the Race Track. Seventeen years ago, at an age when most people would have been happy to retire, Ralph became a Captain & launched the successful Port City Princess cruise ship with wife, Sylvia & son, Randy, giving many people the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful lakes as well as bringing tourism to Muskegon from many different states. Ralph was a lifelong devoted Episcopalian serving his faith on the church vestry throughout the years & had been a lay minister. He was also a Rotarian for over 35 years. Ralph was a voracious reader & recently completed the novel, ''China Uncle'' based on his own uncle's colorful adventures in China. He possessed a formidable intellect, of which no one could beat him at ''Jeopardy!'' He loved to travel & did so extensively through the United States, Europe & Africa, with his most recent trips to Egypt & China. He will be an eternal inspiration to his children, raising them with unconditional love, unwavering faith, integrity, creativity, humor & his adventurous spirit-always leading by example urging them never to turn down a new experience. ''Dad you live on in our hearts. Peace be with you on this journey . . . we know that you're just On The Road Again.'' SURVIVORS He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sylvia; his son, Randall Kristina Precious of Muskegon, MI & 4 daughters, Lisa Precious of Calabasas, CA, Lori Steve Erickson of Topanga, CA., Julie Dana Heiberg of Ashburn, VA & Dana Martin Gueulette of Sherman Oaks, CA. He was ''Oompa'' to Morgan & Sean Mitchell, Sena Precious, Miles Erickson & Tori Heiberg & uncle to Brent Bev Precious of Indianapolis, IN & Darlene of Michigan City, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents & by a brother, Richard. SERVICE Saturday, March 8, 2003, 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Fr. Joe Ashby officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. VISITATION Friday, 6-8 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1006 Third St. in downtown Muskegon. MEMORIAL: St. Paul's Episcopal Church.