Ralph. So much fun. 12 years together in St. John School and Ubly High. I will always remember him lighting the bonfire during our senior year homecoming.  There is a front page in the 1967 yearbook drdicated to that.  Lots of really good memories of my dear friend.  Kathy Heleski

I am sorry to hear of your loss. 
I knew Ralph from  attending St Johns Elementary and Ubly High School.
He was so very funny and yet kind as a young person.
I pray God's peace be yours.

I had the privilege of attending Ubly High School with Ralph.  He was an unique inspiring individual in those days as well.  So wonderful to read the complimentary reviews of his years beyond Ubly.  My Condolence to his Family.

Fondly
Marilyn (Hund) Osentoski

Sunday, October 27, 2013
I had the honor of teaching with Ralph at Davison High.  He always had a wonderful sense of humor, but what I remember most was that beautiful voice.  I had the privilege of attending the Mass when Father married Ralph and Kris.  She was so beautiful, and he was overwhelmingly happy.  He truly made a great difference in my life and the lives of so many students and teachers. He especially brought happiness to my life watching him as one of the blues brothers.  My sympathy and prayers go out to Kris, his daughters, and family.

our deepest condolences to chris and family.  have known for 30+ years and always looked forward to camping canoeing in sterling mich.  it was there that he became the "tarp man" always prepared for rain or shine.  it will take "16 wheels on a big rig" to carry those memories.

Kris, Sara and Katie, my sincere condolences to your family. I was privileged to get to know Mr. Coaster over the years that Sara & Katie took tap & ballet lessons at the studio. 
 My prayers are with you in this time of great loss.
     Jackie Paul

I feel lucky to have spent the time I did with Mr. Coaster, and have many fond memories throughout the years of card games, camping, and movie nights spent at the Coaster home. I always felt like Mr. Coaster was the consummate motivator for his daughters and their friends throughout life's successes and challenges, and know that many others viewed him similarly. Katie, Sara, and Mrs. Coaster - you have always been such a fun, warm and loving second family to me, and my thoughts and love are with you right now.

To the family of Mr. Coaster: I only knew Mr. Coaster for a short while when he filled in for our superintendent position at Bentley after Mr. Schantz became ill. During that time, he was so encouraging to me as I was working on my Education Specialist degree and had lost my mentor whom he was filling in for. As I read all of the comments from his students and colleagues, i am amazed at how Ralph had such an impact on everyone he came into contact with. They say that everyone who comes into your life is there for a reason. I am truly blessed that Ralph was one of those. I have read that on your grave stone there are two dates with a dash between... it is that dash between the dates that is so meaningful. Mr. Coaster's dash is nothing less than amazing. I will never forget Mr. Coaster, as he truly touched my life with his encouragement and faith in me.

I was a teacher and coach for Ralph when he was an administrator at LF.  He was a good person and had a positive outlook on life and the future.  He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you Kris and your family.

I knew Ralph since childhood in Ubly. Ralph always had a smile on his face and was an all-around good guy. He was a class officer and was active in school plays. I enjoyed speaking with him at  administrative conferences and was happy to note his success in his career. He will be missed.

Mr. C was multi-talented and in 1985 also taught Chinese cooking classes in the evenings that my mom took with her friend and some other ladies.  Funny thing is that my mom doesn't even like Chinese food, but bought a wok and enjoyed his cooking classes.  That's a testament to how great of an instructor he was to inspire people to try new things.  He was simply the best!

Kris and Daughters...I am sure no words can express the sorrow that you are feeling.  Even thought we only know you thru Mark and Jean we are deeply sadden for your loss.

Mr. Coaster was the best debate coach ever!  He taught with such passion and caring!  My prayers go out to his family...may his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen!

I knew Ralph from the time we spent planning and building the Lake Fenton High School. His smile and humor were contagious, and his dedication to serving others was always obvious. I think this was most apparent to me when he shared with me that one of his most treasured memories was selling shoes in Ann Arbor, and going back year after year to serve the patrons of the art fair. I'll always remember him measuring feet with a huge smile and loving life.

Our sincere condolences to the family of Ralph Coaster. I know his whole family well as we went to school together and he is from Ubly, Mich. Growing up in a small town of 800 people, we all feel like a large family. I remember him as having a wonderful gift of making people laugh and was a very sincere , kind, person. Our prayers go out to you. Sincerely, Anne and Dennis Badger

Mr. Coaster was more than a teacher to me. He was a father-figure and mentor. He inspired me, showed me that I had talent, and taught be to believe in myself. He was my favorite teacher and made a huge difference in my life.

My teaching career began at Kearsley High School and Ralph was my principal. The caring, family-like atmosphere of the Kearsley staff was due to Ralph. That's the person that he was- kind and caring. As a new teacher, I admired and appreciated Ralph's leadership. Ralph will be remembered fondly. My prayers are with those who will undoubtedly miss him the most, his wife and daughters.

We feel so blessed that we had the opportunity to be introduced to such a fine human being in our life.  If you were ever at a gathering of any sort and needed a comforting conversation he was your man.  Truly only knew him a short time but always felt you had known him a long time.  Truly will be missed and always remembered.  Always will admire his ways and will continue to inspire.

I was privileged to know Mr Coaster in my high school years at Davison. He taught us students to be responsible, professional and entrusted us to maintain the reputation of our high school radio station.  He was not anyone you wanted to dissapoint! When he found out I was not planning on attending my graduation honors night, he "guilted" me into going. To my surprise, he presented me with a "brand new" award for my work at the station! He was truly an inspiration to work hard to make good things happen!  It is with a heavy heart I give my condolences to his family and friends.

DHS - Class of 1980

Ralph Coaster was larger then life.  He was my teacher and debate coach at DHS.  He also spoke at my graduation in 1978.  He was always great for a laugh and a smile.  I will always remember him as one of the best.

Ralph Coaster was a talented educator whose sense of humor, kindness and courage in facing adversity I truly admired. Sincerest sympathy to his family and friends

 So sorry about your sudden loss. May the memories of good times, friends, and love be with you and the family. Aaron & Marge Snader

On behalf of the whole Amble family we want to express our sincere sympathy for your loss.  If Bob Jr.  were still with us I know he  wold testify to the wonderful impact Ralph had on him and  many other students

Kris and Family - I was shocked to learn of Ralph's passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.  Patty (Szuch) Ahlstrom

I don't know if there is a higher compliment and it's impossible for any of us to fully capture the Ralph's impact on each of our lives except to say "he always gave more than he took" regardless of the situation.    He was Cathy's favorite teacher and someone I always looked forward to seeing at Mass.  You are missed already Ralph and our prayers go out to Kris and the girls

Ralph was an exceptional man/educator/educational leader. He always put his students first, no matter if he was a teacher, principal, superintendent, or retiree. He was the High School principal at Kearsley when I first met Ralph. I was a teacher at the middle school.  Both of my daughters were at the high school while Ralph was principal there.  Ralph always took time to be available to the students and would talk with them in the halls.  He wrote a beautiful letter for our daughter Shari as a senior and she won the Apple award and was one of the top ten highlighted seniors. We still have that letter today. He supported his teachers while demanding the best of each of them. It was a sad day for Kearsley when he left to share his talents with Davison and Lake Fenton. I saw Ralph a few times after he left Kearsley and I always got a big hug and asked how my daughters were doing. He would tell me how exceptional both of them were and how happy he was that he got to know them. I could go on and on because he was so exceptional himself, but his family knows that!  The community has felt a great loss in Ralph's passing but has had such great blessings with what he accomplished and lives he touched while he was here. He will always remain such a special person in my heart and I hope his family can eventually carry the joy of his life in their memories to ease the pain of his absence.  Sincerely , Vickie Turner and family (John, Shari, Carol)

If you asked me last month, last year or 20 years ago who was my favorite teacher, I would have said without hesitation, Mr. Coaster.  Radio Broadcasting class, WDHS, Public Speaking and the Forensics team, Ralph was a great teacher, mentor, coach and friend.  The impact he made on my life will always be remembered fondly. Rest in Peace Ralph... We'll Miss You.

Ralph Coaster was a man of vision, passion and love for his educational community. And at the forefront was his family, students and friends. Ralph, you will be missed but for many of us we will always have the memories of the times we spent with you.
Ralph, you will be missed.
Carl

A flood of memories came back when I heard of Mr. Coaster's passing. I am very sorry for your loss. I took an interest in radio broadcasting in high school as Davison had an in-house radio station. I had the priviledge of Mr. Coaster's guidance and friendship through WDHS until my graduation in 1977, and those experiences led to my continuing in professional radio broadcasting until 1987. He was extremely influential in that very fond time of my life, and his positive nature has always stayed with me. He obviously touched many more individuals, and he truely will be missed.

I taught with Ralph during the early-mid 80's at Davison High School.  He was a wonderful, very talented teacher who embraced all of his students.   Ralph was also a teacher leader who worked tirelessly on many district initiatives, including the campaign called, " Davison Schools.....there's no better place to be."    I have no doubt that Davison schools,  Kearsley schools, and Lake Fenton schools are better places because Ralph was there during his career. 

After Ralph left Davison for his first administrative position, I remember thinking that he was exactly the sort of educator who should be leading schools because he possessed so much integrity, positive energy, and a genuine love for kids.   Ralph led by example.  This sentiment was shared by his other colleagues at the time.  I also remember feeling very proud of him when he was named Superintendent  of Lake Fenton Schools.  I again knew Ralph had the right stuff for this top job---he always had the right stuff.   He was simply the best of the best. 

I am but one of Ralph's fans in the large Genesee County education community and like everyone else, I am heartbroken.  Ralph made us all proud, and when it comes down to it, part of the legacy he leaves behind is that he made and will continue to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of many, many people.  

We all love you, Ralph, and we feel lucky you touched our lives too.

No matter how much I disliked the people that were trying to make us respectable and civilized human beings because they didn't understand what we were going through because they have never been there and could never understand... Crazy teenage logic...  We were teenagers and you were selfless to help us. It breaks my heart that you, one of many, that stood beside us in our I time of term oil and confusion and tried his best as a mentor, educator and father to guide us through the roughest years of our lives, are no longer here to do your greatness.  I feel sad and wish I could have gone back as an adult and said "Thank you"  So, thank you Mr. Coaster for everything you did for me (us). You will be greatly missed!

Mr. Coaster was my teacher, my mentor and my friend.  I remember him working late into the evening with me on the record that was included in the Davison High School yearbook in 1980.   He treated me as an equal which I really appreciated.  He put so much of his time and energy into WDHS and created a wonderful experience for myself and so many others.  I will always remember his great voice.  One Halloween night in Williamsburg Farms, I heard this very familiar voice call out to his kids in the dark.  I yelled out "Ralph Coaster?"  He yelled back "Yes.  Who wants to know?"  Mr. Coaster gave the commencement address to my brother Brad's graduating class 10 years after I graduated.  It was so good to talk with him afterwards.   I wish I had a recording of that speech.  Mr. Coaster was always so encouraging.

Some of my most vivid high school memories were in Mr. Coaster's class. That was because he taught with integrity and passion. I was a member of the radio team and took classes in descriptive writing and speech from him. I still recall Steve J getting an "E" because Mr. Coaster did not like his descriptive interpretation of Aerosmith's "Big Ten Inch Record". It still makes me laugh; but Ralph was non-plussed. He recounted for us how he thought Steve Miller's "Fly Like an Eagle" was some of the "greatest music (he) ever heard". Easily one of the best teachers. And a great human being. Shedding tears on his passing.

Mr. Coaster was my favorite teacher and he was so proud of his students.  He made learning fun and I looked forward to going to his Advanced Public Speaking class at DHS.  He made such a positive impact on my life, by building up my confidence to go from a shy girl trying to speak in front of my peers to joining the Forensics Club and taking part in speech competitions around the state that he drove me to.  He went above and beyond what any teacher has ever done that I know of.  I hope one day my kids are lucky enough to have a teacher in their lives that makes a difference like Mr. C did for me.  He was a wonderful mentor and will be greatly missed by many.

Don't know if R.O.C. ever realized what a impact he had on the broadcast and entertainment fields.  From covering the White House to major sporting events on television to mobile d.j.'s and beyond.  Seen him at a wedding few years back.  Let guests  know that if I (the DJ ) sucked that night to blame him!  He was  the greatest influence in my life next to my family.  The only thing he couldn't teach you is what to say for comfort in times like these.  Deepest sympathy to his family.

kris, I am saddened about the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters (Family).

We knew Ralph in the early days at Williamsburg Farms.  I used to go to his classes at Davison High School to talk to his kids about drugs.  Ralph's connection with his students was obvious, and we're not surprised that he went on to lead others.  What a wonderful person!

Words are hard to find at the loss of such a genuinely NICE man, person, teacher and friend. He made a difference in my daughter's life with his life philosophy and forensics coaching. Who can forget one of Davison's own "Blues Brother"? When our daughter broke her back in a skiing accident, I attended an event at DHS about a month after.Ralph came over and sat down by me on the bleachers and asked about Andrea. I started talking and broke down in tears. I'll never forget Ralph putting his arms around me to comfort me until I could get it together again. That's the kind of guy he was. RIP Ralph...you made quite a mark on many lives and you will not be forgotten.

I was so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He was so young. He had a great sense of humor and I enjoyed working for him at Lake Fenton. I know he will be greatly missed by all.

As one of Mr. Coaster's Radio Broadcasting students at Davison High School, I always looked forward to his class, and I know I wasn't alone.  He helped us get over our fears of public speaking, and many of us actually went on to get paid to be on-air personalities at radio and television stations near and far.  I remember when I moved back to Davison in the 1990's and started working for Cars 108.  My first day on the air I got a call from Ralph Coaster.  He was tickled pink to hear a former student on the radio, and I was filled with pride knowing that my mentor had taken notice and called me.  You will be missed, my friend.  Thank you for the wonderful memories.

So sorry for your loss. He was the best teacher we ever had in Davison High!! Very well loved by all his students including me. R. I P. Mr. Coaster

My heart breaks for your family.  Ralph was such a great friend and a mentor to me.  His sense of humor will long be remembered.  I worked with him while a principal and superintendent in Genesee County and his jokes at our county meetings and county dinners were legendary.  He was a great support for me and I shall miss him terribly.  He certainly left all of us way too soon.

Ralph was a very admired professional colleague who became a trusted friend.  We came to know each other as fellow principals while in the Big 9 but that knowing turned into a friendship of sharing thoughts and ideas through the development of mutual respect.  We never really socialized but I knew who I could always call to bounce an idea off of - it was Ralph.  I am better for knowing him for so many years - I can't think of a better legacy for anyone than to make this world better for others while we are here.  Very simply, THANKS, Ralph.

Sara, I am so sorry to hear about your father, in this difficult time you and your family will be in my prayers.

Ralph was am amazing teacher who inspired so many young people including my daughter. 
I am so sorry that his life was not longer but so impressed with the way it was lived. He continues to touch the future in the lives of an expanding circle of family, friends, students, staffs, communities....

I had the priviledge of working with Ralph on the 2002 successful school bond vote. Ralph was a visionary leader and a relentless advocate for excellence in education. His contagious sense of humor made all of our night meetings fun to attend...but it was his passion and vision that delivered the win. I'm delighted that so many folks have written to honor his countless contributions to the district.  I've since worked on 43 additional school bond issues...but none come close to the great experience I had working side-by-side with Ralph. I had not communicated with Ralph since the dedication of the high school. Here again he's taught me another life lesson: the importance of staying in touch with great friends. Godspeed my friend.

Kris and Girls, you know that his heart was larger than his body. I am so sorry for your loss,Ralph was a true friend,he always had your back. He was the greatest guy to work with, the good ole boys will never be the same. He will truly
 be missed. My heart goes out to you and the girls,  Terry Dawson

Sorry to hear about Mr. Coaster passing.  The Lake Fenton Community loses another great one! The Griffith (former Flewelling) family is thinking about you (hugs) :)

"He achieves success who lives well, laughs often, and loves much...who leaves the world better than he finds it...who always looks fo the best in others and gives them the best he has."
You will be missed Mr. Coaster.

Sorry to hear about Mr. Coaster passing. The Griffith (former Flewelling) family is thinking about you (hugs) :)

I knew Mr. Coaster when he was the Principal at Kearsley.  I have this vivid memory of a great guy and a father who I remember seeing bringing his two young daughters to a soccer game at Kearsley.  He was a wonderful person to talk too.  I am so sorry for your loss. Rod Kelsey

Mr Coaster let us build a radio station in the back room of his speech class, and supported our crazy idea of kicking off WDHS at Davison High School in 1976.  Which now is matured into a television broadcast known as DTV broadcasting in Davison thru Charter cable.  He was very supportive and made you feel as a student very accepted in a mature world.  He had the ability and talent as a teacher to find a connection to all of us.  He made us feel powered to express our feelings and opinions. His door was always open.  I had the opportunity to see Mr. Coaster a few years back at a Kearsley Basketball game, He came up to me and called me by my first name, 25 years later.  That is special.  He was a very special teacher, and friend. Chris Jared 1979 grad of DHS.

So Sorry for your loss Kris, even though we have not seen each other in far too long, I think of you and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.

As a former student of the Davison high school class of 1978 I had the honor of being taught by a great man Ralph Coaster!  Mr. Coaster taught me what radio broadcasting really was. I had him for public speaking & he was are class sponsor!  Music radio WDHS will always be a part of Ralph Coaster.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Am truly shocked and saddened by Ralph's passing.  What a quality friend and administrator!  Full of life and good humor always.  May the Good Lord strengthen you in the days ahead.

To the Coaster Family,
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Ralph.  He was wonderful man, and I had the privilege to have him as a teacher then later worked with him during his time at Lake Fenton. My prayers are with you and your family.

There is always that teacher that makes a difference and that you never forget.  Mr. Coaster is that teacher!  I had him for Public Speaking at DHS and loved him.  He made every day exciting with his songs and stories.  He was so encouraging and kind.  He will be missed!  
Condolences to the Coaster family.  Prayers in this time of sorrow!

Kris, we are praying for you and the girls.  We all will miss your wonderful husband.  He was my favorite teacher and the best principal I have ever worked with.  He was also a wonderful mentor and friend.

My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Ralph. He was my AD and Assistant Principal at Lake Fenton years ago, and was my kids superindent.  Ralph left a great legacy behind in our community, he definitely left it a better place than when he found it.  My sincere condolences to Kris and the girls.  He talked of you often.

Heaven is a richer place because Ralph is there, but oh! what a loss for those of us left behind! Ralph CHANGED my daughter's life in such a dramatic way. God bless you, his family, friends, and former students.

Kris, I am shocked and saddened to hear the passing of Ralph.  May you, Sarah & Katie find the srength to get through the days ahead.  He will be greatly missed.

I want to express my condolences to Ralph's wife and family. I dad the greatest opportunity the past few weeks to golf in a senior scramble with Ralph every Tueday. He so expressed his love of wife, family and friends. He could not wait to take his trip out east. Every time he had a great shot he would say, "I love this game!" He will be missed by his golf buddies. 
Respectfully 
Scott Szapa

It was a privilege and a joy to teach with Ralph at Davison High School.  Since we shared rooms in the English Department, while I worked in his conference room, I heard him as he conducted his Public Speaking Class.  He was masterful!  As a teacher and a person, Mr. Coaster definitely had the "X" factor.  
May God be with you, his family, in the time of great loss.
Jane Acton

Kris, 
On behalf of the Grand Blanc Community Schools, I offer you, Sara, and Katie our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies for this sudden and terrible loss.  Ralph was a supportive colleague and a willing and enthusiastic mentor.  Sadly, I lack the eloquence to adequately express any words capable of bringing you comfort at this very difficult time.  Please know however, that you are in our thoughts and our prayers.

An outstanding teacher and a person I will always remember. You taught me how to talk in front of people and not be afraid. God Bless You and prayers to your family.

As a former student (Davison Grad '77) and a friend, I cannot begin to tell you how many lives Ralph has touched over the years.  He always had a smile and supportive word for anyone that crossed his path.  He will be missed but his legacy lives on in numerous lives.

Kris, Katie and Sara-
You are in our thoughts and hearts as you cope with this terrible loss.  I know how Jess loved being part of your warm, loving family-your closeness and inclusion were such a gift.  Through the tears and years, may Ralph's memory be for a blessing.

Penelope, Bobby, Jessica and Jefferson Pestronk

Ralph, the Nelson's will always remember your wonderful attitude, your dedication to children, and your great sense of humor...we will miss you very much, thanks for what you have done for us. Ted, Jennie, Olivia, Chelsea, Caitlin and Courtney.

Kris, I have such fond memories of Ralph working at Mast Shoes during the A2 Art Fair. I remember when he made the trip back to A2 to let us all know you had given birth to one of the girls, he had to pass out cigars.  He will always hold a very special spot in the hearts of the Quine Family.  My heart and prayers are sent your way.  Much love.

We were shocked and saddened to learn of Ralph's passing. Although we had drifted apart, he will remain in our memory and our hearts as someone who was a significant part of our youth. From being Dennis' roommate at EMU, a groomsman in our wedding, lazy weekends at Wixom Lake, Den participating in your wedding,and Andrew's godfather; these happy memories will sustain us as we deal with his loss. We pray, Kris, that by God's sweet grace you and the girls find peace and strength in the days ahead.

Mr. Coaster was my high school teacher for set design and public speaking as well as my forensics coach (senior year) at Davison High School. He was a wonderful teacher and I have fond memories of my  classes with him.  In my high school yearbook, he wrote "Box Sets are Boring!" in reference to what he taught us in his set design class about using creativity when building sets for plays.  Not only was that good advice for building sets, but also for "thinking outside the box" to meet or make decisions regarding any opportunities or challenges that might come your way.
He had such a way of connecting with students.  I remember an incident when a student had run away from home and was not attending any classes except for Mr. Coaster's class. Mr. Coaster did not know he was a runaway and was shocked to find out that the student's parents and the school administration were looking for him.  This story shows that he was such a terrific teacher that no one ever wanted to miss his class!
He was a good man and I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.

We will miss you Mr Coaster. You were a great person and our family was proud to know you. 
Joe and Linda Tomczak

Ralph, you were a creative genius!  Forever a" Blues Brother" from Davison Faculty Follies performances.  You made the world a better place with your laughter and love.  You will be missed by many many people.

                                                       Mary Ann Cockman

Mr. Coaster was one of the few people I know who never stopped smiling.  As a student, I found him very approachable.  He was an administrator who balanced the needs of both the school and student in a way that made it a win-win.

I feel fortunate to have worked with Ralph in Lake Fenton.  He had a gift for talking to kids and families and a positive attitude that was contagious.  He will be missed but not forgotten.

We knew Ralph when he was in the Davison area, meeting at St. John Church of Davison where we were active members. He was most personable. It was a privilege to know him. Our youngest was a student of his at DHS, and she spoke well of him as well. May his family be comforted by the knowledge that he was highly regarded and will be deeply missed.

It was a privilege to work for Ralph at Kearsley High School. His passion for education and warm, caring personality will always be remembered by those who knew him. My sympathies to his family whom he loved so very much.

It is hard to envision a world without Ralphky. In all my years, I have never seen a more upbeat and generous person. He will be missed on so many levels by so many people. And no matter who tells the story, it was Ralph's fault the beachball went out the back of Aunt Evy's station wagon.  My heart and prayers go out to Kris and the girls.

So Sorry to hear of your loss!  I had Mr. Coaster in the spring of '79 for Public Speaking at Davison High School; he was one of my favorite teachers!! He made a 'scary' subject so much fun!

OBITUARIO

Ralph Oliver Coaster

23 junio, 1949 – 20 octubre, 2013

Hill Funeral Home

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