Lifelong Brush resident, Ralph R. Kauffman, 84, passed away Saturday, May 19, 2012, at his home. He was born October 27, 1927, in Brush to Jacob & Margaret(Ashenbrenner)Kauffman. Ralph grew up on the family farm and attended Fairview School, north of Brush. He graduated from Brush High School in 1947. While in high school, he raised 4-H cattle and showed them at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. On June 27, 1948, Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Helen V. Brening, at the Immanuel Congregational Church in Brush. They made their lifetime home in Brush. Ralph began his career in 1945 at the Farmers Elevator in Brush. He managed the John Deere parts department and delivered farm implements across Northeastern Colorado. When the business sold to another owner, Ralph became the manager of the establishment, Farmers Elevator, now known as Ace Hardware. Ralph retired at the age of 65, but soon found he couldn't give up serving the public. He officially retired January 8, 2012. In 1961 Ralph joined the Brush Volunteer Fire Department where he served as Firefighter and Treasurer. He was exceptionally proud of acquiring the hand pulled Hose Cart from Great Western Sugar Company in Brush, and spearheaded the restoration of that cart. The cart is still used in the Fourth of July Parades by the Brush Fire Department. Ralph also served on the EMT / Dive and Rescue Team. Ralph's passion, along with his wife, Helen, was camping and fishing the Poudre River at Kelly Flats Campground, site #27, with their family, friends, and many new friends were made along the way. The highlight of each summer was the week long camping gathering spent with family and their grandchildren. Ralph was known as the master campfire builder and marshmallow toaster. Survivors include his children, Meredith (Dean) Allen of Cheyenne, WY, Sharon (Dennis) Cox of Fort Collins, CO, and Randal (Tammy) Kauffman of Brush; 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 1 brother, Edward Kauffman of Cedaredge, CO and 1 sister, Virginia Miller of Surprise, AZ. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Helen; 1 sister, Verda; 3 brothers, Harold, Albert, and Jacob Jr., and his parents. Jacob & Margaret Kauffman. Funeral services will be Thursday at the Immanuel Congregational Church in Brush at 10:30 AM. Fire Department honors and interment will follow in the Brush Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Heer & Dahl Mortuary in Brush. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the Immanuel Congregational Church or to Hospice of the Plains, both c/o the Heer & Dahl Mortuary.