Ralph-Baldwin-Obituary

Ralph Baldwin

Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Grand Rapids, Michigan

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BALDWIN - Dr. Ralph Belknap Baldwin died peacefully on October 23. He was a Naples, Florida resident since retiring in 1984 as Chairman of the Board of the Oliver Machinery Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born on June 6, 1912 in Grand Rapids, the son of Melvin D and Julie B Baldwin; He was...

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Earthrise over Ralph Baldwin's Moon.

Those few who had the privilege of exploring the Moon in person, as well as those who continue to explore the Moon and planets through samples and remote sensing, built on the foundations set by Ralph and the many who were so profoundly influenced by his thoughts and logic.

You will be missed!

I never knew him except through his books and papers but right from the first time I read them, they struck me (a science writer covering planetary science) like a cool wind on a witheringly hot day.

His good sense, clear arguments, and beautifully arrayed evidence were outstanding in a field that was full of fanciful ideas, even from well-established scientists.

He was a giant in the field of solar system science.

I have revered Baldwin's great contributions to lunar science since the early 1960s when I started working in the field. I was honored to have met him when he visited the Lunar & Planetary Lab in Tucson in the 1960s - we went to a western style restaurant that used sizzors to cut off ties, which set the stage for an informal meal and discussion. We exchanged a few letters when I was writing my first paper about central peaks in lunar craters and he was gracious and helpful.

In...

Dana,
My deepst sympathy for your loss. Dr. Baldwin was an industry leader and a patriot.

Howard & Marlene Grivna

It is with great sorrow that the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America mourns the passing of Ralph Baldwin.

Mr. Baldwin was an active leader of the WMMA and he holds a place near and dear to its heart. In 1983 the association initiated the Ralph B. Baldwin Award, an honor bestowed annually to a member of woodworking industry fraternity not only for his or her contributions to the industry but, like Ralph, for his contributions to the communities in which he lived and served....

So sorry for your loss~

Dr. Baldwin was a dear man, one whom I enjoyed talking to and sharing past memories of Mayflower Church as well as time when we knew each other when he was at Oliver Machinery and I was at the Employer's Association.

I have such respect for him as a person, his infinite knowledge of astronomy which was a topic of great interest in my own family, as well.

He gave much to the betterment of this world and will be missed by many, including me.
Ellen Johnson

To the Baldwin Family
Drew and I are very sorry to hear about Ralph's death. He was such a nice man. My memories of him are very good.