[nfb-talk] Ralph Sanders In Remembrance:

[Kenneth Chrane]

The Braille Forum, September 2007

A TRIBUTE TO RALPH SANDERS
by Bob Humphreys

Although I'm usually pretty good at putting words on paper, I have struggled
to find the right words to describe Ralph's contributions to people who are
blind, and to the programs that serve them. Nonetheless, I'll try to convey
my thoughts and feelings as precisely and as well as I can.

Ralph Sanders was a man of great talent and great complexity. In exhibiting
that talent, and in dealing with his own complexities, Ralph often rubbed
people
the wrong way. He could be quite charming, but often was the bull in the
china shop, pressing his thoughts and ideas without consideration of the
opinions
of others. He always was convinced he was right in his positions on matters.
Underlying this trait, I think, was an unshakable desire to advance the
cause
of blindness, both collectively and individually. He worked tirelessly,
often taking on more than one person should have to handle at one time.
Sometimes
it was not so much that he was so confident in his own abilities as it was
the recognition that if he didn't undertake a task, it wouldn't get done.
So,
he volunteered to edit "The Vendorscope," the quarterly publication of
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, and to chair the RSVA legislation
committee,
and to work on ACB publications, resolutions, and countless other
activities. I am sure his ability to make a living suffered because he tried
so hard
to do so many things for which he was not compensated. At the same time, he
managed to juggle some 30 Social Security cases and several evidentiary
hearings
and arbitrations.

Not too many people have had the opportunity to observe repeatedly Ralph's
advocacy on a personal level. I've sat on numerous arbitration panels
convened
under the Randolph-Sheppard Act in which Ralph served as the representative
of a blind vendor who had been wronged by the actions or omissions of a
state
licensing agency. Although Ralph was trained as a journalist, and not as a
lawyer, I often marveled at his ability to conduct and manage a case,
including
his mastery of the documents and evidence. Many times he equaled or
surpassed in presentation and ability the courtroom style and knowledge of
his legally
trained adversaries. At one point he considered going to law school, but the
frantically busy nature of his life prevented it.

I considered Ralph a friend, but not a close one. I think he had the same
impression. Ralph was a person of many layers and levels. I'm not sure how
deeply
I was able to penetrate those layers. He rarely confided in me as to his
feelings, beliefs, and frustrations. He probably had a closer relationship
with
a number of other people. Yet, I feel a deep and lasting loss. I will miss
him. ACB will miss him. RSVA will miss him. It is only after he has been
gone
for awhile that we will be able to perceive how much he contributed and how
valuable his counsel, how important his very considerable mind.

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