Ralph Dickson

Ralph Davis Dickson, age 89, was welcomed by all of heaven on April 3, 2019. We can only imagine the celebratory reunion that took place between he and his loving wife, Martha A. Dickson, who passed away on April 28, 2014. Ralph was surrounded by his four children, Diana, Michael, Todd and Beth. Born and raised in Clintonville, Ohio, Ralph was son to Ralph H. and Ola Davis Dickson, and younger brother to Mary. He attended North High School and was known for his hard work. He was actively involved in his high school fraternity and also ran track. Ralph attended The Ohio State University with his interests focused on obtaining his CPA Certificate and a law degree. He believed this was the best possible combination for being a financial success. Even in those early days, Ralph knew what he wanted and set a plan to achieve it. In addition to college, Ralph sought other interests. In his own words he expressed, “Outside activities were a must for my resume. Grades were only part of the picture.” Never doing anything halfway, Ralph dove right into building his resume. He was active in organizations, campus government and fraternity life, serving as President and Treasurer allowing him two years of free living in the chapter house. Furthermore, Ralph’s exhaustive activities included ROTC, pistol team, honors societies and US Marine Corps. active reserves. During the summer months, he worked full-time on the railroad section gang and after hours painting. And if that wasn’t enough, this hard-working man carried a heavy school schedule and graduated in 10.5 quarters rather than the typical 12. All the while, as Ralph was pursuing his degree and extracurricular activities, he courted his high school sweetheart, Marty. They were married October 21, 1950. Two months later, in December, Ralph graduated from The Ohio State University. Upon graduation, Ralph’s career was looking most promising as a CPA so he accepted a local internship. He loved the constantly changing assignments and challenges. However, due to the approaching conflict with Korea, Ralph’s Marine fighter group was activated and required to report to Cherry Point, North Carolina. Upon arrival, Ralph was assigned as crew chief on a fighter jet. Not long after, Ralph requested a transfer to the Marine Corps. Air Station in Miami, Florida. He was granted the request, and immediately reported to the office of the area auditor, under the direction of the Inspector General of the Marine Corps. Ralph and Marty flourished in Miami. Ralph enjoyed his work on the base, and of course, received accolades for his expertise and knowledge. In true entrepreneur fashion, Ralph also started a side business doing accounting and tax work for architectural firms. As for family life, the couple had a beautiful home near Miami Bay, countless visitors, loved the warm climate, and announced the arrival of their first child, a baby girl. It was a busy, and fulfilling, time for their family. At the conclusion of the Korean conflict, the young family decided to stay in Florida. Ralph had accepted an offer at a large regional CPA firm in Fort Lauderdale. However, their six month old daughter, was diagnosed with a severe ear infection due to the damp weather, coincidentally Ralph also contracted an ear infection. It was time for a different kind of climate change. Ralph and Marty decided to move and plant their roots in Columbus, Ohio. Remember that internship Ralph had immediately following college? Well, that CPA firm whole-heartily extended an offer letter if the couple would indeed move back to Ohio. The firm eventually merged with a national firm, expanding Ralph’s responsibilities into audit work and systems and management advisory work. Ralph truly was one of the best at what he did. He was dedicated, hard-working and an expert in his field. He received several partnership offers, however they were all in larger cities and would require a move. Ralph declined every offer. His family had grown over the years to four children - Diane, Mike, Todd and Beth. They were established in Columbus and he had no intention of moving his wife and children. It was then that he decided to start Ralph Dickson & Company, CPA’s, as a sole practitioner. He opened his office at 50 East Broad Street. In those days, a CPA could not advertise, or tell clients that he was leaving the firm. He started out with no clients. He grew a mustache and walked the streets of downtown, hoping to run into friends so he could tell them about his new firm. Ralph shared, “The Lord was good to me, and in a short time I was too busy to handle all the business myself.” Over the years, his company expanded and grew to a total of 35 staff. On January 1, 1988 Ralph Dickson & Company merged with Crowe Chizek & Company. Ralph was required to stay for three years and three months to manage the Columbus office. On April 1, 1991, after fulfilling his commitment, Ralph started Forensic Accounting Services, Inc. for the purpose of providing litigation consulting, business valuation and fraud investigation. This would begin a beautiful time in Ralph and Marty’s life. This new company would allow the couple to do what they had always dreamed, travel. Ralph planned to work ⅓ of the year, allowing them to travel ⅓ of the year and then leave the other ⅓ up for discussion. And travel they did! For more than ten consecutive years, the couple averaged traveling 17 weeks a year, and covered a good portion of the world! When they were not in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with friends or covering more of the globe overseas, you could find Ralph and Marty relaxing at Indian Lake. Ralph loved that little peaceful place on the water, only an hour outside of Columbus. Boating, grilling out, entertaining friends and family, Indian Lake was Ralph’s little piece of paradise here on earth. During this season of their lives, Ralph still remained dedicated to his work as it brought him much enjoyment. His forensics company provided him with new cases and new challenges. Ralph expressed, “The most challenging part was testifying at trial in court as an expert witness. The key? Always tell the truth, do not exaggerate or take sides. Be independent and maintain integrity. Of course, those are good guidelines for any of us.” Profound advice given by a great man who received extensive honors and awards throughout his career, including being named President of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. As proud of Ralph was of his own career and achievements, he was most proud of his family. He was married to his beautiful bride Martha for almost 64 years. He had four children, twelve grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. His legacy will live on in these generations. Eventually, Ralph and Marty did make it back to Florida. They spent much of their retirement years in Venice, Florida enjoying friends, church services on the beach and each others company. What a full life these two lived! In closing, Ralph left invaluable words of advice, “That you always tell the truth and maintain integrity, That you be faithful to your faith, and listen for His leading.” Ralph left an imprint in all the lives he touched. He worked hard and loved deeply. Ralph was proud of each of his children and their families! Family of Diane Halloran: Jennifer (and Samuel) Costello, children Maximus and Charlotte Mark Halloran, children Mia and Doc Joshua Halloran, son Vance Family of Mike (and Jody) Dickson: Michael (and Malisha) Dickson, children Alden, Brynley and Cameron Marie Wohrer, children Benjamin and Adler Matthew (and Mandy) Dickson, children Sadie and Charlie Mitchell (and Kelsey) Dickson, children Claire and Davis Family of Todd (and Julie) Dickson: Sarah Dickson, children Donovan, Caroline and Stella Brittany (and Marc) Hogenbirk, children Brooklyn, Katelyn and Jocelyn Ashley Dickson Family of Beth (and Jim) Andres: Jessica (and David) Root, children Emma, Logan and Caleb James Andres, Jr. Service information for friends and family of Ralph D. Dickson: Visitation 1pm on April 13, Memorial Service to follow at 2pm. Berlin Presbyterian Church 5175 South Old State Road, Lewis Center, OH 43035. Ralph and Marty donated to numerous charities over their lifetime. The most vivid memories of their kindness to others, happened at holiday times when they would make numerous turkeys to take to Better Way Ministries to feed the homeless. Better Way Ministries continues today but has a new name! They are now called Columbus Dream Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Ralph (and Marty) Dickson to Columbus Dream Center, PO Box 8294 Columbus, Oh 43201

Ralph Dickson

July 18, 1929 - April 3, 2019