Ralph Swank joined GWRRA in December of 1980, and was given the
member number (4062), he became an Area Rep. for Chapter A in Des
Moines, Iowa, in December of 1981. This was the first Chapter
started in the state of Iowa, he remained in this position until
May 1983. During the time he was Area Rep. of Chapter A of Des
Moines, he was also assisting the Iowa State Director (Hank
Shaffer). Shaffer stepped down and at that time Ralph asked Don
Cole and Maynard Davis of Waterloo, Iowa to take over as State
Director, Assistant Director/Treasurer, which they did. Ralph also
received assistance from his friend Grant Wellborn, who no longer
rides, but still lives in Ankeny, Iowa. Ralph was a very strong
backer for GWRRA and would participate in almost every rally and
function that involved GWRRA. Many rallies were put on at Camp
Sunnyside during his time in office including rallies for Easter
Seals, and the United Way, as representing GWRRA. Do to his health
and age he retired his bike and membership around June 1986. After
this time he did participate in several Gold Wing Events as a very
excellent announcer, and a very strong promoter for GWRRA, and
anyone interested in motorcycling. Ralph was the announcer at the
1989 Region E Rally in Waverly, Iowa and we believe this was the
last rally attended by Ralph. After attending a bike show in
Newton, Iowa, on April 15,1989, he passed away on April 16, 1989.
In 1990, Bob Main, who was State Director at the time announced
the start of the RALPH SWANK AWARD. This award was to be given to
someone in the state who showed a strong desire to support and
further the growth of GWRRA in IOWA and to be of help to anyone in
need of information on the program. Mrs. Dorthy Swank, lives in
Des Moines, Iowa and is still working everyday
The award says "In recognition of outstanding service to GWRRA
and motorcycling in general". This award is the most prestigious
award given in the Iowa District. The Ralph Swank Award was
founded in 1988. The following is a list of winners since being
founded.
|
|
1989 Jack Repplinger
1990 Ed & Betty Thornton
1991 Arnold Kowalsky
1992 Bill Cook
1993 Boomer
Franklin
1994 Terry Goepferich
1995 Tim Pherigo
1996 Bob & Doris Roberts
1997 Gene Holmes
1998 Butch & Lorie Conger
1999 Tom &
Rosemary Giesel
2000 Lonnie & Diane Borseth
2001
Dale & Joy Frank
2002 Tom and Sharon
Smith
2003 Ron and Karen Knudtson
2004 Duane and Sondra Rippel
2005 Ray and Jane Cassatt
2006 Joe and Judy Pirillo
2007 John and Sue Olenick
2008 Bob and Trish Russell
2009 Marlene Klein |
