Ralph Keys
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Ralph Keys, 85, of Kansas City, MO passed away November 8, 2023.
Ralph Keys was born in Kansas City, Missouri on February 13, 1938, the son of Frances and Ralph Keys. He loved sports as he was growing up, especially baseball. He participated in the Ban Johnson baseball league, his position being catcher. The Boys and Girls Club provided a grounded moral foundation for his life. Ralph graduated from Manual High School, obtained an architectural degree from Kansas State and later a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Kansas University. Manual High School provided him with drafting skills and an interest in creative design and innovation. After graduation from Kansas State his first professional job was with Elpidio Rocha. Over the decades he worked for HNTB Corp., TK Architects, and WRS Corporation. He was a coordinator for the Kansas City Model Cities program. Ralph received an award for participation in the Kansas City Vest Park Project. In 1972 Ralph built a house in the Columbus Park area. He wanted to reinvest in the urban core where he grew up. He was always creative, but the joy of his life after retirement was working with wood: making bowls, boxes, cabinets and other items.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Amica Gomersall, his son Marc Keys (Erin), daughter Tanya Keys, four grandchildren and his sister, Rose Sosna.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City.
A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held on Sunday December 3, 2023 from 12 to 2 PM at J. Rieger Co. and Distillery, located at 2700 Guinotte Ave., KCMO, 64120. Family, neighbors and friends are all invited to share in this celebration of Ralph’s life and if you’d like, please wear your favorite sports team gear or colors to celebrate his love of sports.
Visits: 2
Uncle Ralph was a very considerate and gentle man. When you were with him, he was present- engaging, listening and always had words of encouragement and advice. He shared whatever he had with you. He will be missed! Prayers for him daily!
Your kind, generous, gentle soul will be greatly missed. I will cherish your homemade wooden bowl and cutting board that I use everyday. May your spirit soar high in the heavens as you join your loved ones who welcome you home. I love you very much!
I am truly proud to be part of his family, to call him uncle as he was my grandfathers (Vincent Shortino) brother.
He has shown nothing but love, encouragement and character to this world including myself. He was very talented with his hands and the last time I was with him he had given me deep brown and tan handmade chess board.
I will always remember Ralph & Amica as the warmest company and incredible partners as they are inspiration for many of us to endure, as family and friends no matter the day.
Thank you Ralph Keys for many memories and gifts of joy.
Your loving nephew , Stephen Zicarelli
Ralph,
We will deeply miss you, all these years as neighbors. Holmes Street will not be the same without you.
Rest in peace and fly with the Angels,
Sam and Kathy Maggio and kids
My Brother is gone. Heaven look out. he will win you over. I will miss you every moment.
Dear Family of Ralph Keys,
My husband, Bob, and I live in the 2100 block of Jarboe where there are 6 passive solar homes developed by Westside Housing Organization and designed by Ralph and his partner in the 1980’s. People who live in these homes have utility bills in the single digits. Amazing. These homes are such a tribute to Ralph Keys who even 35 years ago was helping save our environment. We will miss his spirit, his generosity, his wit, his talent.
Sincerely
Colleen Hernandez