by Jack Lee
There’s so much negative news these days, sometimes we get the impression there’s a distinct lacking of good in people in this world and then a good guy steps forward and restores a little bit of our lost
faith in humanity. This time I’m speaking about Chico’s Ralph Tupper, personnel supervisor at the Chico Air Museum. He’s been part of the museum since the beginning. He could have spent his retirement years doing things for himself, but instead he chose to work with other volunteers trying to get our air museum up and running. Fortunately for all their efforts we have a fine museum now.
Ralph spent a fair amount of his own money and dedicated over 8 years of his life volunteering for the Chico Air Museum. I’m hoping Ralph won’t be mad at me for writing this because he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t care about recognition for his good deeds, but I think this is something than needs to be said for Ralph and for all the CAM volunteers. (Pic on the right is Chico’ army flying school c1944)
I got to know Ralph about a year ago when I volunteered to work at the Chico Air Museum, then last Sunday Ralph told me it was his final shift after giving us countless hours of his well earned retirement to be key CAM member. He was the guy who made sure the museum was properly staffed and kept open according to the schedule, and he did it without ever drawing a paycheck!
Almost every Fri., Sat. and Sun. Ralph was out there, open up, putting in a full shift, talking with visitors, helping docents learn the ropes and so much more. At home he continued his volunteer work, emailing other volunteers, coordinating work schedules and signing up new volunteers. When a shift went unfilled, Ralph took it upon himself to be there just so people could count on the museum being open. Without taking away anything from our other fine volunteers, it’s a safe bet that Ralph put in as much or more time than anyone else on staff. He made one tremendous effort on behalf of the citizens of Chico!
However, time takes it’s toll on all of us and there came that day when Ralph said he just couldn’t keep up his rigorous schedule, often opening early and closing late. So it was that Ralph decided to let someone else take over. It was by sheer chance that I had the privilege of working with him on his last shift, Sunday, 7-7-13. There was no retirement party, no well deserved accolades from his fellow docents, it was just a normal day, business as usual, and it was exactly how Ralph wanted it. He’s a quiet kind of guy who doesn’t like to take up a lot space, if you know what I mean?
Ralph is a retired pilot, an author and just an all around great guy. I wish him well in whatever future endeavors he has planned. I know you folks would want to wish him well too. Thanks to Ralph and our other great CAM volunteers, we have an air museum we can all be proud of and one that’s hosted many thousands of visitors.
Now here’s the good news… it’s about to grow to the next level. It looks like we may have a new hanger facility, with many more aircraft exhibits that have been sitting in storage looking for space to hang them. This museum and our future facility would not have been possible without those great volunteers like Ralph, always operating quietly behind the scenes to make things happen. He will be missed, but maybe we can get him back once in awhile as a docent, he’s got a lot of great airplane stories kids love to hear!