Welcome to the memorial page for
Ralph Donald Springfield
April 22, 1935 ~ July 21, 2017 (age 82) 82 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Tom Tanner
January 25, 2018 2:12 PM
Dear Sally and family: Please accept my condolences for your loss. After I left Michigan I kind of lost touch with Ralph but he never left my memory. As you know we taught together at Frost Junior High for many years. I have nothing but the fondest memories of Ralph starting with the first day I met him. As a new teacher in Livonia he took me under his wing and served as my role model. I'll never forget how we used to play HORSE in the gym, talk abut all kinds of sports, rounding up kids from our positions in the Attendance Office, or the many projects we were starting or finishing around the house.
Ralph was a true gentleman, professional and friend who will be greatly missed.
May God bless you and your family
Ralph was a true gentleman, professional and friend who will be greatly missed.
May God bless you and your family
A candle was lit by Lesley Murphy
on November 11, 2017 5:28 PM
A candle was lit by Jim, Mary, and Mary Elizabeth Thorsby
on August 12, 2017 10:01 AM
Message from Kelle murphy-logue
July 28, 2017 2:49 PM
Rest In Peace Ralph. I had the pleasure of meeting you this past thanksgiving and hope you're at peace. Thoughts and prayers to your lovely family.
Message from Jim, Mary, and Mary Elizabeth Thorsby
August 12, 2017 9:59 AM
Dear Sally and family,
We are saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. We each have such fond memories of Ralph and how he has left us with a special story or chuckle to remember him by.
Jim worked with Ralph at Frost Middle School for about 10 years. Daily work life discussions along with sporting events at the school kept them busy. Jim found Ralph to be so easy to talk with and truly dedicated to the betterment of the children at Frost. Ralph made many difficult days of work easier to face. Some of Jims most favorite days at LPS were at Frost with Ralph.
Jim and Mary have one of Ralph's bird carvings.....a penguin. He had never made a penguin before and found our request an enjoyable challenge! Of course, it's a gorgeous pice and we have had it displayed in our home for many, many years.
Mary remembers going landscaping shopping with Ralph on one of our visits to Grand Haven. The sea grass purchased that day, Ralph carted back home and helped us pack it for the ride back to Livonia. Each day we see that grass next to our back deck.
Mary Elizabeth, our daughter, was a student of Ralph's for Phys Ed when she attended Frost. His patience and guidance in teaching her various sports has carried through to her adult life. Mary Elizabeth also has one of Ralph's bird carvings.....a flamingo that he named Phil. Absolutely gorgeous. She also has had it proudly displayed in her condo for many years.
Ralph truly was a gentle man and a gentleman. We have so many wonderful things to remember him by each day. We know how he loved animals and will be sending a gift to the animal shelter in his name. God bless all of you.
We are saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. We each have such fond memories of Ralph and how he has left us with a special story or chuckle to remember him by.
Jim worked with Ralph at Frost Middle School for about 10 years. Daily work life discussions along with sporting events at the school kept them busy. Jim found Ralph to be so easy to talk with and truly dedicated to the betterment of the children at Frost. Ralph made many difficult days of work easier to face. Some of Jims most favorite days at LPS were at Frost with Ralph.
Jim and Mary have one of Ralph's bird carvings.....a penguin. He had never made a penguin before and found our request an enjoyable challenge! Of course, it's a gorgeous pice and we have had it displayed in our home for many, many years.
Mary remembers going landscaping shopping with Ralph on one of our visits to Grand Haven. The sea grass purchased that day, Ralph carted back home and helped us pack it for the ride back to Livonia. Each day we see that grass next to our back deck.
Mary Elizabeth, our daughter, was a student of Ralph's for Phys Ed when she attended Frost. His patience and guidance in teaching her various sports has carried through to her adult life. Mary Elizabeth also has one of Ralph's bird carvings.....a flamingo that he named Phil. Absolutely gorgeous. She also has had it proudly displayed in her condo for many years.
Ralph truly was a gentle man and a gentleman. We have so many wonderful things to remember him by each day. We know how he loved animals and will be sending a gift to the animal shelter in his name. God bless all of you.
Message from Alex Montgomery
July 26, 2017 11:32 PM
I had the good fortune of meeting Ralph early on in my tenure at the Robbins Road Walgreens. He was always talkative, with a smile on his face, and took an interest in having conversation with me. I truly appreciated that! It was my pleasure to be able to serve Ralph--and continue serving Sally, Marji, and the rest of the family. May God bless you all during this tough time. I pray the Holy Spirit grants you peace, comfort, strength, and happiness knowing he is content resting in the arms of Jesus. <3
Message from Bruce Buursma
July 26, 2017 9:18 AM
Dear Sally and family:
Sincere and deep sympathy to you on the loss of a great man. I enjoyed my many conversations with Ralph at CLC or on the golf course or in the Uptown Gallery. He was a remarkable and gifted and gracious man with so many delightful stories and interests. May his memory and God's grace be a steady consolation during these difficult days.
Sincere and deep sympathy to you on the loss of a great man. I enjoyed my many conversations with Ralph at CLC or on the golf course or in the Uptown Gallery. He was a remarkable and gifted and gracious man with so many delightful stories and interests. May his memory and God's grace be a steady consolation during these difficult days.
Message from Max Slisher
July 26, 2017 6:24 AM
I met Ralph when I joined the West Olive golf league. He was quick with a smile, a hand on the shoulder, an encouraging word, and a curiosity about the new guy and his background. I can understand why he must have been a successful teacher.
No matter how well my partner, Doug Johnson, and I played, we could never catch Ralph and Tom in the standings. He had that gentle manner which concealed his competitive drive. Over the years, I ended up on the same team with Ralph, deepening my admiration for him as a person who was more complex than I had earlier known.
Certainly Ralph's family and friends, including me, have all been enriched by knowing him.
No matter how well my partner, Doug Johnson, and I played, we could never catch Ralph and Tom in the standings. He had that gentle manner which concealed his competitive drive. Over the years, I ended up on the same team with Ralph, deepening my admiration for him as a person who was more complex than I had earlier known.
Certainly Ralph's family and friends, including me, have all been enriched by knowing him.
Message from Stack's Chicago Style Eats
July 25, 2017 3:59 PM
Very sad to lose such a genuine and interesting man. He will be missed by the staff at Stack's.
Message from Bonnie Walker
July 25, 2017 5:45 AM
Sending my sympathies to Sally and your family. Ralph was a great neighbor and golfing friend to my husband, Mike Walker. May the Lord give you comfort and peace.
John 14:1-6.
John 14:1-6.
A candle was lit by Connie LaFrance
on July 25, 2017 12:02 AM
To the Family of Ralph; Hugs and Prayers on your loss of Ralph. I got to know Ralph from Riverside when I went to visit my Mom, Betty Gee. He was such a nice kind Man to visit with. I also enjoyed visiting with his Great Daughters and Family. Cherish all your precious memories of him and Ralph's memory will live on in your hearts as well as ours who knew him and adored him forever and ever. He is now at peace. Love and Hugs to all of you!
To the Family of Ralph; Hugs and Prayers on your loss of Ralph. I got to know Ralph from Riverside when I went to visit my Mom, Betty Gee. He was such a nice kind Man to visit with. I also enjoyed visiting with his Great Daughters and Family. Cherish all your precious memories of him and Ralph's memory will live on in your hearts as well as ours who knew him and adored him forever and ever. He is now at peace. Love and Hugs to all of you!
A candle was lit by Connie LaFrance
on July 24, 2017 11:49 PM
Message from Keegan Springfield
July 24, 2017 10:09 PM
For as long as I knew him, Ralph Springfield (“Gramps”) was a peaceful, contemplative person. Retired after a long and successful career, perfectly happy to sit in his work room at his raised counter-like desk, feet propped up watching the Tigers or college basketball on an old fuzzy TV set. His dog curled up on the floor at his side, or in his lap. Quick with a story, and patient with youthful inquisitiveness. The houses might have changed over the years, but this at least seemed consistent.
He was a craftsman, both by trade and by nature. Whether it was a duck decoy, shorebird, or something more abstract, everything he did with his art had a purpose, and was born from years of practice and care. I think this characteristic is what made him a good teacher. Or, at least, why he enjoyed teaching.
When you start out as a teacher or coach everything is new, waiting to be discovered for oneself through trial and error – both the knowledge itself, and the methods to pass on that knowledge. Eventually you figure out what works and what doesn’t. You add tools to your bag of tricks. Every bird, fish, and block of wood is different, just like every student, athlete, child, and grandchild. The challenge – what keeps it interesting, not just noble – comes from those differences. Unlocking someone or somethings potential.
I grew up on the east side of the state, so after they moved to the west side for good I was only able to visit once or twice a year, first in Ludington, then West Olive and Grand Haven. When I was in college in Chicago, I enjoyed taking the train over and visiting during the shorter school breaks. At that point, he still hadn’t really slowed down, and I feel fortunate to have gotten to know him almost for a second time, as an adult not just a grandson. After all, not everyone gets to know their own fathers, let along their grandfathers, so for that I feel truly blessed.
Ralph will be missed by all those who knew him, but his passing seems almost bittersweet. When I first heard the news, the brief initial shock gave way to something else; almost a sense of pride. Appreciation, and admiration for a life well led. Like a marathon runner reaching the finish line.
You made it Gramps. To the end of a life well lived. Prop your feet up, turn on the baseball game, and rest in peace.
He was a craftsman, both by trade and by nature. Whether it was a duck decoy, shorebird, or something more abstract, everything he did with his art had a purpose, and was born from years of practice and care. I think this characteristic is what made him a good teacher. Or, at least, why he enjoyed teaching.
When you start out as a teacher or coach everything is new, waiting to be discovered for oneself through trial and error – both the knowledge itself, and the methods to pass on that knowledge. Eventually you figure out what works and what doesn’t. You add tools to your bag of tricks. Every bird, fish, and block of wood is different, just like every student, athlete, child, and grandchild. The challenge – what keeps it interesting, not just noble – comes from those differences. Unlocking someone or somethings potential.
I grew up on the east side of the state, so after they moved to the west side for good I was only able to visit once or twice a year, first in Ludington, then West Olive and Grand Haven. When I was in college in Chicago, I enjoyed taking the train over and visiting during the shorter school breaks. At that point, he still hadn’t really slowed down, and I feel fortunate to have gotten to know him almost for a second time, as an adult not just a grandson. After all, not everyone gets to know their own fathers, let along their grandfathers, so for that I feel truly blessed.
Ralph will be missed by all those who knew him, but his passing seems almost bittersweet. When I first heard the news, the brief initial shock gave way to something else; almost a sense of pride. Appreciation, and admiration for a life well led. Like a marathon runner reaching the finish line.
You made it Gramps. To the end of a life well lived. Prop your feet up, turn on the baseball game, and rest in peace.
Message from Joe Murphy
August 6, 2017 12:33 PM
That was wonderful, Keegan. Very nice words and thoughts.
Message from dale and pat
July 24, 2017 9:08 PM
It was a joy to know Ralph.We both miss him. God bless all of you
Message from dale and pat
July 24, 2017 9:00 PM
it was a real joy to get to know Ralph. We both miss him . God bless all of you
Message from Julie Koning
July 24, 2017 4:29 PM
Sally and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Julie Koning
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Julie Koning
A candle was lit by Wanda Essebaggers
on July 24, 2017 10:16 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you all ! Your Dad and Grandfather was a sweet guy and always enjoyed talking to him ! God bless
My thoughts and prayers are with you all ! Your Dad and Grandfather was a sweet guy and always enjoyed talking to him ! God bless
A candle was lit by The Kaufman Family
on July 24, 2017 10:16 AM
Precious Jesus, surround this family with your loving arms. Cover them with a peace that passes all understanding. Provide them with strength and comfort in the days to come. Fill their mind and hearts with all the precious memories they can hold. All our love to you the dearest loves of Ralph.
Precious Jesus, surround this family with your loving arms. Cover them with a peace that passes all understanding. Provide them with strength and comfort in the days to come. Fill their mind and hearts with all the precious memories they can hold. All our love to you the dearest loves of Ralph.
Message from N Fort Myers
July 24, 2017 9:04 AM
My sincere sympathy to you all. I remember him well. I moved from Grand Haven 4yrs ago
Message from Casey Murphy
July 23, 2017 10:06 PM
I'll miss you gramps; I wish I was with you in your last few weeks, but it's comforting knowing you're not suffering anymore. I loved being your granddaughter, and I'll cherish the memories. I love and miss you, Grandpa.
Message from Mel and MaryJo Guiles
July 23, 2017 5:36 PM
So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. We enjoyed getting to know the family when we were neighbors.
A candle was lit by Joe Murphy
on July 23, 2017 4:57 PM
I love and will miss you Grandpa, mostly how frustrating it was that no matter how old you were you still always effortlessly beat me in golf. I love you
I love and will miss you Grandpa, mostly how frustrating it was that no matter how old you were you still always effortlessly beat me in golf. I love you
Message from Lisa (Riverside)
July 22, 2017 9:01 AM
I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss our talks about the Tigers and I will miss his smile
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