CoBe Gallery

Ralph Silvis has always done more that was expected, whether as a teacher, pastor or as a person. He would have made a significant impact on the people of Brown County if he had only fulfilled expectations, but he never stopped there. He always exceeded expectations.

From the January 23rd Brown County Press
Mr. Silvis, the teacher, was involved beyond his classroom. He identified students with potential and involved them in building houses for low income families. The students had the satisfaction of being involved in a worthwhile project, and at the same time, learned many life-lessons in carpentry, responsibility and leadership. Some of those students are now teaching carpentry to other students, are school district superintendents or are contributing adults in the community and caring for their own families. These students became like members of the Silvis family.

The Silvis Sailing Camps are also legendary. An avid sailor, Ralph has passed on the love for this sport with countless young people who have also learned lessons which have benefited them as adults.

When Ralph was the pastor of a Brown County congregation, he did not limit his ministry to the members of the church. He learned about Cambodian refugees who were in need of help and he energized a group to provide that help. The church parsonage was used to house them and food and medical assistance were provided. Teachers were provided to help prepare the children for school. Nearly 200 frightened and homeless refugees benefited from Ralph’s good work, as well as, the numbers of volunteers who were involved.

When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, Ralph Silvis was one of the early volunteers to come to their aid and he has returned many times. In addition to providing the work, he has also taught inexperienced volunteers to do the work that needs to be done, and connects with them on a personal basis.

Ralph is an accomplished artist. His work is displayed at several Cincinnati galleries. He continues to study art at Southern State Community College where his interaction with the other students is an important part of the class.

When one comes into contact with Ralph Silvis in any of these ways described above, friendship is the result. And, when any of his friends has a need, Ralph is there to attend to that need. Sometimes that has been to convert a single level building into a home when a friend could no longer live in their two-story home. Other times it is to assist a painter friend put brush to canvas after an accident has left them unable to manage by themselves.

Ralph and his wife, Dorothy, his high school sweetheart, have seven children. They generously share the warmth of their home with friends and acquaintances who benefit from a word of encouragement and a helping hand.

The award will be presented at the Brown County General Hospital Foundation’s Heart of Brown County Gala, to be help on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Eagles Community Building in Georgetown. The public is invited.

Tickets are available by calling the Foundation office (937/378-7777) and must be purchased in advance.