As we've mentioned earlier this week, Beef Burger closed in May and owner, Ralph Havis died on Tuesday at the age of 78. Ralph owned Beef Burger for 50 years and and managed it for ten years before buying it in 1971.* Ralph's visitation and service are planned for Monday. Here is his obituary. We posted another photo today, because we just realized that there is a lone cross in a booth on the east side of the lobby. We're wondering if it had been there for a while, or, if perhaps Ralph left it there as he left the building that one last time. The situation is a sad one as his daughter and wife died before he did. It really seems like this is the end of a big part of the Havis family and the end of a business that represented a big part of Lee Street's past.
On a more positive note, imagine how proud Ralph must have felt of the business he built and all of the friends he made through Biff/Beef Burger. Indeed his was a life well lived. Somehow 1040 West Lee Street will not be the same. Here's to a happy Sunday for you. Keep your thought with family and friends of the Havis family as they say their good-bye's tomorrow. Just maybe someone should go get that cross and give it to the closest relative.
* Here is history of the store.
Rather poignant.
Posted by: William Kendall | Sunday, July 18, 2021 at 04:41 PM