Obituary of Ralph Alfred Camirand

Camirand, Ralph Alfred “Al” Bay City, MI Ralph, age 90 of Bay City Michigan passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021. He was born on June 20, 1930 to the late Arthur Joseph and Clara Ruth (Schilling) Camirand. Ralph grew up in south east Bay City and graduated from Bay City Central High School. He also attended Bay City Junior College. He loved the Lord and was bold in his faith, challenging those he loved to have a close walk with Jesus. He was a faithful attender of the Evangelical Free Church in Bay City until his failing health interfered. He loved sharing the church’s Springhill Camp and Rainbow Lake Camp experiences with family and friends. Ralph served his nation in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954. He was also very active in local government, serving multiple terms as a City Commissioner, and as Mayor of Bay City from 1967-1968. He was a long time Realtor and Landlord and served on numerous boards and commissions including, the Landlords Association, the South End Business Association and the Girls scouts of America. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his brother Arthur and his wife Laura (Rose); sister, Dorothea, and her husband Edward Thompson; and sister, Helen. Also preceding him in death were his nephews, Timothy and Marc Camirand; Marc’s son Jeremy and niece Sandi’s husband Mike Blossom; nieces, Judy Camirand and Becki Knipp; Becki’s husband Dale Knipp; and great niece Crystal Alford. Ralph developed an enduring love for Norma Jean Schlitt whom he lovingly referred to as “Alice”. He began his relationship with Norma following an appointment she made with him to list her home for sale. That relationship would grow until her untimely passing 17 years later. Ralph would never fully recover from her loss but remained actively and passionately connected to her 7 children and their families for the remainder of his life. Although teasing them often that he was Ralph A. Camirand A/S/M (A Single Man) he couldn’t escape his lovingly gained title of “Grandpa Ralph”. He is survived by nieces, Sandi Blossom-Cederberg and Terri Alford; nephew, Dennis Thompson; and many great nieces and nephews. Norma’s children count themselves among his family and survivors as well. Ralph will be cremated and has asked that no expense be incurred to hold a service. Although no date has been set, those of us who have loved him these many years are planning a memorial gathering in the spring to honor his life. If you would like to share words of condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.cremationsocietymidmi.com; those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial contribution to Springhill Camps (online) https://www.springhillexperiences.com/ or (by mail) Springhill Camps, P.O. Box 152055, Grand Rapids, MI 49515. Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.