Ralco Animal Nutrition announces the passing of its founder Bob Galbraith, 88, who was surrounded by his family when he passed away from cancer. He pioneered the agriculture industry and built Ralco on the “vision of improving the health and performance of livestock as naturally as possible long before recent consumer trends began driving the industry in that direction.”
“This is a time that we celebrate my father-in-law for the faithful life he lived, and the great example he has always been,” said Ralco President Emeritus Jon Knochenmus. “Bob’s vision to start Ralco and his determination to succeed provided opportunity for a great number of people over the years. All his accomplishments pale next to the positive influence he had on everyone he encountered and the large family that deeply loved him.”
Bob was a courageous entrepreneur who mortgaged his furniture to finance the dream of starting his own company. During the early years, Bob delivered product with a pickup and gooseneck trailer. Many times, his family including children made the trip with him. His original product concepts were not only innovative for their time but they went on to inspire patented technologies that continue to power a wide range of products throughout the industry. Bob led the company for 19 years and lived to see Ralco become a multinational company.
Bob was a business leader in the Marshall community serving on multiple boards and committees. He continued to attend Ralco functions and regularly visited Ralco facilities where Bob called everyone by their first name, even as the company grew from a couple dozen employees to more than 200. Bob also maintained his love of agriculture as he watched Ralco expand into crop enhancement and shrimp production. He was extremely excited to witness the first shrimp delivered to the Ralco Technology Campus.
Bob is remembered for his great faith and love for the Lord which is a legacy he shared with his entire family and remains the key driving force of Ralco today.
Bob is survived by his wife Lou, children Randy, Linda and Niter, 9 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.