Obituary of Ralph R. Prieur

Ralph Raymond Prieur, 94, formerly of Overlook Terrace, Bemus Point, died Saturday August 5, 2017, in Absolut Care, Westfield. Ralph was born May 10, 1923, in Buffalo, a son of the late Oliver and Mabel Schraven Prieur. He graduated from Kensington High School and his love for water and country called him to enlist in the United States Navy on July 9, 1943. He was a Quartermaster on several ships in the South Pacific and Philippine Islands during WWII. He was one who served his country proudly during time of war but rarely ever spoke of what he saw or endured. After honorable discharge from the service he came back to Buffalo and started his own big band that played many venues throughout Buffalo. It was at one of his gigs that he met and fell in love with his wife of nearly 55 years, the former Corinne E. Brown. They made their home in Depew for 18 years. During their lives together, Ralph continued to be drawn to water and built a house on Conesus Lake where his family could spend summers. After that he built a cottage in Hadley Bay on Chautauqua Lake to spend time with family. Their love of Chautauqua Lake eventually led them to purchase a home in Bemus Point in 1970 which became their permanent residence. Ralph was employed as a sales representative for Gunther Hosiery, The Chocolate Company of America and the Nestle Company. At the age of 65 he started his own successful fundraising business, Ralph R. Prieur & Co., Inc., which he continued working at until well into his 80's. His business focused mainly on the fundraising efforts of schools and community organizations. He formed many lasting friendships with music directors and community leaders throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara Counties. The family wishes to thank all Ralph's caregivers at Absolut Care for brightening his days and providing him with round the clock love. Ralph is survived by his son Randall (Carla) Prieur of Jamestown; daughter Wendy (Todd) Keefe of Ashville and Son in law Timothy Warner of Buffalo; five grandchildren Matthew (Raegan) Prieur, Dianna (Jess) Moyer, Kyle (Diane) Warner, Sarah Carlson and Makayla Keefe; seven great grandchildren Alana, Gabe and Logan Carlson, Jackson Warner, Mara and Colin Moyer and Braden Prieur; sister Agnes Bickert of Buffalo; brother Orren Prieur of Sarasota, FL and his second wife Rose Johnson-Prieur. He was preceded in death by his first wife Corinne Prieur January 5, 2003; a daughter Laura Warner December 27, 2014 and five brothers Oliver, Arthur, Jerome, Damase and LaVerne Prieur. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. Rev. Carolyn Stow will officiate. Inurnment will be in Bemus Point Cemetery. Visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.