Longtime Friends: Coach Jim Bibbs, the first African American head coach at Michigan State University and the longest tenured track and field coach in program history could not resist the chance to celebrate the birthday of his friend, Ralph Riddle Sr. Shown here at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing during the event. Ralph Sr. was taking a break from playing with the band. Ralph Sr. was born on March 25, 1927 and is enjoying life to its fullest with his family and friends.
TNCP photo
By Nadine Defensor
LANSING, MI — Ralph Riddle Sr., also known as Big Ralph, celebrated his 85th birthday on April 1st, at the Hannah Community Center. The room was filled with a lot of love and laughter, as many his friends and family came by to greet him on his special day.
His three children, Ralph Jr., Anita and Natalie, organized the celebration, along with the help of other family members as well. His son, Ralph Jr., put together a picture slideshow while daughter, Natalie played the organ to entertain the guests.
“It’s truly a blessing, and we’re so glad that he is here and have moments like this to look forward to” said Big Ralph’s middle child, Anita. She mentioned that all three siblings wanted this to be a momentous occasion for their father as they wanted him to feel the love and warmth he deserves.
“When someone’s been this long at the community, there’s lots of love that people are giving him. We want him to know that everyone, both friends and family, does love and care for him,” she added.
Anita described Ralph Sr., as a great father while growing up. He was the one who told her to make sure that she’s doing the things that she needed to do to become successful, be able to hold her own and be a good citizen. She believes that one of the most important lessons that her father and mother taught her and siblings was the value of education as “this was something that nobody can take away from you.”
Ralph Riddle Sr. was born on March 25, 1927, and lived in Ohio Street, which is located at the north side of Lansing. Ralph Jr. revealed that his father was part of the small group of minority children who went to school then. In his later years, Ralph Sr. became an insurance salesman, a profession that he was in for 40 years. He was also married to Vivian Riddle for more than 20 years before she passed away in 1972.
Many of his life long friends came by to celebrate this special event with him. His childhood friends, Bruce Baldwin and Richard Mulder, described him as a down to earth man with a “heart of gold” that he shares with everybody.
Family members also expressed their joy of him turning 85 this year.
Grandnephew, Maurice Ringgold said that enjoying Ralph Sr. at this age is a blessing.
“Pretty much everything (in our family) centers around him”, he explained. Ringgold also said that one of the best pieces of advice that Big Ralph gave him was to never give up, even when times are tough.
Regina Louis Riddle, who also helped set up the event, said that she’s glad to see that so many people attended her father-in-law’s birthday as it shows the life that he’s led was a good one. She wishes him a long life, good health and a soft heart.
Younger brother, Bob Riddle, was also in attendance and was thankful to see his brother turn 85. He revealed that while growing up, Big Ralph always said that he could give orders because he was older. “But overall, he’s a good big brother,” he added with a smile.
Big Ralph says a special thank you to his wonderful children, grandchildren and friends for making his birthday celebration more special this year. He wishes himself continued health and more blessings for his beautiful family.
This was printed in the August 12, 2012 – August 25, 2012 Edition
