Ralph M Benowitz
Ralph M. Benowitz Ogden Business and Civic Leader
Ralph M. Benowitz, age 92, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2010. He was born in Ogden on January 14, 1918 to Joseph and Lillian Benowitz. Ralph lived a long and energized life, running a very successful business and leaving a remarkable imprint on the cultural, religious and political movements in Utah. From his parents he learned the value and importance of family, and respect for everyone, regardless of their backgrounds or personal views. He always felt very strongly that it was a privilege to live and work in this country, and that the privilege required that he serve others in the best way he could. He lived in Ogden until 1980, and then moved to Salt Lake City in 1980, where he resided until his death. Ralph met the love of his life, Regina Cohn in 1942, and they were married the same year, recently celebrating their 67th anniversary. He had four children—Marshall, Barry (and his wife Nanette), Stephen (and his wife Tink), and Scott (and his wife Heidi). He had four wonderful grandchildren, Joseph, of Salt Lake City, Tyler, of San Diego, Ari (and his wife Carrie) of Irvine, California, and Brittany (and her partner, Ingrid Drake) of Washington, D.C. Ralph had two sisters. The older (and oldest child in the family) was Esther, who passed away as a young woman. Devora, his younger sister, and her husband Jack Lyon, reside in Delray Beach, Florida. They have two children, Jay and Elaine. Ralph graduated from Ogden High School in 1935, completed two years at Weber College, and then enrolled in the University of California (Berkeley) where he received a Bachelor in Business Administration in 1939. Cal’s environment in the late 1930s opened new doors and new ideas for Ralph. Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. After college he returned to Ogden to help his father manage the family-owned business, B&B Clothes Shop. In addition to moving and expanding the store, he opened other stores in Ogden, Pocatello, Idaho, and then Salt Lake City. He sold the business in 1979 and 1980. In addition to his clothing businesses, he was a general partner in Snow Basin with his great friends Fred Baker and Roy Nelson, both Ogden area bankers. They sold the business in 1978. Ralph devoted much of his life supporting cultural, civic and religious organizations in Utah. He was a leader of Ogden’s Congregation Brith Sholem and for a number of years led the United Jewish Appeal in Ogden. He remained a member of Brith Sholem throughout his life, and joined Congregation Kol Ami after moving to Salt Lake City. His faith and dedication to the principles of Judaism were among the most important influences in his life. As a civic leader, Mr. Benowitz served as President of the Board of Directors of a school in Weber County that provided educational opportunities for children with developmental disabilities. He also served on the Board and as President of the Bertha Eccles Art Center and later as President of the Salt Lake Art Center. He always had a great interest in politics, and was a lifelong Democrat. He ran for the State Senate, and was appointed by Governor Cal Rampton to be a member of the Governor’s Commission on Economic Development, where he served for over seven years. His other interests included playing tennis, a lifelong passion he developed as a young man. In addition, he was known to play a mean hand of poker with family and friends. His tennis and poker games provided the time to be with cherished friends. His family wishes to thank Dr. Barry Stults, Ralph’s physician for many years, and Dr. Timothy Farrell and the wonderful and supportive nursing and rehabilitation staff on the 4th Floor of Brighton Gardens in Salt Lake City. A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 19, 2010, at 12:00 noon, at the Leavitt’s Aultorest Memorial Park, 836 – 36th Street, in Ogden. Following the service the family will receive guests and share memories at the community room located in the memorial park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the United Jewish Federation of Utah - 2 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84113-1101, (801) 581-0102 or www.ujfslc.org.
Dear Reggie and Family, I'm so sorry. Ralph was a great guy and we will miss him. He certainly made the world a better place. My mom will be home on May 7 and will be in touch. Love, Carol
Carol Landa (San Francisco, CA)
So sorry to hear of Ralph's death. I will remember him as a gracious and elegant man and I'm sure he will be missed by all who knew him. Hope to join you on Monday. wpk (and Suzanne)
Patrick Knibbe (Boise, ID)
On behalf of the staff and board of the Salt Lake Art Center, I send sincerest condolences to the Benowitz family. Mr. Benowitz's dedication to the Art Center, especially during the 1980s, is not forgotten.
Jay Heuman (Salt Lake City, UT)
am sending deep0est sympathy and love to Reggie and family. Ralph was a true gentleman in the best sense of that word.Always deliberate in thought and deed, Never a negative word or thought about another person.I count myself lucky to have had him as friend and neighbor these many yearslLOVE ESTHER
esther landa (SLC, UT)
am sending deep0est sympathy and love to Reggie and family. Ralph was a true gentleman in the best sense of that word.Always deliberate in thought and deed, Never a negative word or thought about another person.I count myself lucky to have had him as friend and neighbor these many yearslLOVE ESTHER
esther landa (SLC, UT)
DEAR Reggie, I AM SO SORRY ABOUT THE LOSS OF A WONDERFUL PERSON LIKE RALPH , I DO REMEMBER SOME WONDERFUL TIMES WHEN JAY AND I WERE FIRST MARRIED AND WE VISIT YOU AND THE WONDERFUL WELCOME I RECEIVED FROM YOU BOTH. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU. THIS IS SURELY A BAD TIME. MAY GOD BLESS. VINCIE COHN
VINCIE N. COHN (HENDERSON,, CO.)
Our deepest sympathy to the Benowitz family in your time of sorrow.
Debbie (Cohn) Howard Kline (Henderson,, CO)
I baby sat for Ralph & Regins when Barry & Marshall were small. Ralph was a kind & considerate man. My thoughts are shared with your family at this time. Sincerely, Adean
Adean (neilson) Mason (Ogden, Utah)
I am most fortunate to have known Ralph since 1975 when he was serving on the Economic Development Commission. We will mourn the loss of this compassionate and best dressed gentleman in our community. I extend my sympathy to his Family.
Dale B. Carpenter (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Dear Marshall, I always liked your dad and I had great respect for him. I would have come to the funeral to express my condolences personally but I got the notice of his passing just today at noon. Please give my love to your brother and mother for me. Love, Jeff
Jeff Crane (Sandy, Utah)
Barry Benowitz, Herlinda and I send a warm embrace to you and your family at the loss of your dear father. Gary & Herlinda Bowen
Gary & Herlinda Bowen (Salt Lake City, UT)
Joe-I was just thinking that good men do some good things during their lives, but great men affect other peoples lives, and in a positive and long-lasting manner. What a legacy that your Grandfather has already given to you that has already been shaping other people’s lives-even mine. One of the most interesting things about knowing you and seeing you grow was always the sense that you had wisdom way beyond your years. And indeed you did, and you were never ashamed to say where it came from. Then on top of all that I have heard, I read that he was in the Pacific theater from 1942 to 1945 being a part of that great generation that benefited us both. My heart was with you for the last three days and you have my deepest sympathy. Your friend, David Cade
David Cade (The Woodlands, TX)
Dear Barry & Nannette My condolences to the family. Sounds like a was a wonderful man. You were all very lucky to have him for such a long time. Sue
Sue Lewis (, )
Dear Barry, Nanette and Family: We were sorry to hear of Mr. Benowitz's death. He had accomplished so much in his life. It is so hard to lose a parent. Our thoughts are with you and yours in the days to come. Love to you, Karen and Barney Bettilyon
Karen Bettilyon (Salt Lake City, Utah, )
Marshall' I was honored to receive a personal notification from you although saddened by the loss of a dear friend, teacher. and employer. The last contact I had with the Benowitz "family" was at a reunion dinner in Ogden whereall of the former emplyees were treated to a delightful meal of food and wonderful memories. Ralph, Thanks for all opportunities to learn and grow under your kind but watchful eye. Oh, but the ultimate gift whom I met at B&B, was my wife...Now 50 years in the making.
Ralph Peterson
Ralph E. Peterson (St. George, UT)
Barry and Family: Sorry to hear about the death of your father. You are in our thoughts and have our deepest sympathy. Harold
Harold Vonk (Ogden, utah, )
My name is Adam Price and I am the new Executive Director of the Salt Lake Art Center. I never had the pleasure to meet Mr. Benowitz, but I was saddened to read of his passing. Coming to the Art Center, as I have, many years after Mr. Benowitz's tenure, I can never know with certainty how much time and energy he devoted to the cause of contemporary art here; but the work of a board president for an institution as large as the Art Center is usually quite time-consuming, and so I suspect was the case for Mr. Benowitz. What I do know with absolute certainty, however, is that the Art Center as I find it today is healthy, dynamic, and capable of making a continued contribution to our community, a state of affairs that could never have occurred without Mr. Benowitz’s past support.
On behalf of the Art Center community, please accept my condolences and thanks for Mr. Benowitz’s many years of service.
Sincerely,
Adam Price
Adam Price (Salt Lake City, UT)
We were so very saddened to learn the news of Ralph's passing. He was such a wonderful husband, father, person (mensch)...he will be sorely missed. We were so looking forward to seeing him in a couple of weeks during a short visit we will make to SLC. We ARE looking forward to visiting Reggie, though.
Debbie & Jack Spear (Madison, WI)
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kofggx (New York, NY)
- Home: Ogden, UT
- Death Date: April 16, 2010
- Birthdate: January 14, 1918
- Place Of Birth: Ogden, UT
- Service: Monday, April 19, 2010 @ 12 pm
- Location: Leavitt's Mortuary - 836 36th St. Ogden
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