diggerdan Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Have heard, from a reliable source, that Ralph Engelstad passed away last night in Las Vegas. Will try to post a link to the news announcement when it comes out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diggerdan Posted November 27, 2002 Author Share Posted November 27, 2002 Here's a release from the Forum. Not much so far. Breaking News Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kr Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 On KCNN Scott Hennan is talking to Earl Strinden about the passing of Mr. Ralph Engelstad....... Last year there was a ceremony honoring (in memory of the late) Maine coach Shawn Walsh - is that something that can/will be done in memory of RE? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimdahl Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 I'm posting coverage as soon as I uncover it on the front hockey page ( http://siouxsports.com/hockey.php ). So far the Forum article has grown a bit (if you saw it early) and a Star Tribune article has surfaced. I suspect we'll see more in-depth coverage and retrospective over the next couple days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottM Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 A sad day for UND, and Sioux hockey. My condolences to Ralph's family and friends. He was a great friend of the University. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nodakvindy Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 A sad day indeed. My prayers go out to his family. Also found this story in a Las Vegas newspaper. http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/.../514308404.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimdahl Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Coincidentally timed, BusinessWeek had an article in the December 2 edition (that I received today) on philanthropy. Ralph & Betty Engelstad are listed as the #39 most generous philanthropists in the U.S. There's no mention of him in the article, so it's basically just the following listing in a table: Ralph & Betty Engelstad Vegas hotel owner gave $100m from 1998-2002 causes: college sports estimated total giving $110m current net worth $500m %wealth donated 22% We're truly lucky to have been associated with so generous a benefactor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diggerdan Posted November 27, 2002 Author Share Posted November 27, 2002 Nice tribute on the home page of theralph.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speez Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 A sad day for the Englestad family and the many benefactors of Ralph's great generosity. He will be missed by many and our family's condolences go out to the Englestad's. I fondly remember hearing the story about Ralph & the Fighting Sioux's last 2 runs to the National's in 2000 & 2001. During the Regionals & Nationals of 2000 a very tense Sioux team was sitting in the locker room waiting for gametime. All the coaches pep talks etc. were over & the players were left to think about the upcoming game. Frazelled nerves kept players thoughts to themselves & noise to a minimum. In walks Ralph, doing a comedy routine with a friend, telling jokes and generally relieving the tension that was mounting. He cracked the guys up took their minds off what they were worrying about. Hockey players, being a very non-superstitious group, new that Ralph was expected to do the same in the 2001 run. Ralph being the player & fan that he was did not disappoint them. Just before gametime as in the previous year, Ralph was there to take the edge off. Although Ralph won't be here for this years run to the FF, I'm sure he will be fondly remembered by this years team at just the right time to get them ready. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taz Boy Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 No doubt a very sad day for those who knew Ralph Engelstad. From what I've read, he was an honest man you could trust-- said what he thought, and never went back on his word. Tough to find that these days. Thanks, Ralph! taz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottM Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 Here's the NY Times obituary. Looks like a rehash of some others. LAS VEGAS, Nov. 27 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taz Boy Posted November 29, 2002 Share Posted November 29, 2002 2000 wheelchairs, hundreds of millions in $$ donations, employer of the year, and the press still can't avoid mentioning the two theme parties. Hopefully Sioux fans will be treated to a great weekend of hockey, and that the mood in the arena is full of excitement. Best way to say "Thanks Ralph" is to cheer your a$$ off this weekend! taz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyeagle Posted November 30, 2002 Share Posted November 30, 2002 My condolences to Sioux fans and the Englestad family. His contributions to UND and college hockey are part of what makes this the greatest game on earth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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