August 7, 1973 1934 October 17, 1918 September 23, 1971
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JANUARY 29, 1964 RALPH C. WILSON, JR. 1959 SEPTEMBER 23, Bringing success to his 1971 CONSIDERED HIMSELF business partners and the 1941-46 Seeking to become more involved in the game he fledgling league they’d During this period, he was PRIVILEGED TO CALL TWO OCTOBER 17, Proudly serves in U.S. Navy loved, he joins the so-called created, Mr. Wilson is considering relocating the 1918 SPECIAL PLACES HOME: during World War II; is “Foolish Club,” a group of men integral in completing the Bills. In order to avoid that, AUGUST 7, AFL’s five-year, $36 million and after a protracted 3+ Ralph Cookerly Wilson, promoted to lieutenant; he committed to founding a new 1973 SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN, Jr. is born in Columbus, saw action commanding a football league. After failing contract with NBC to year debate, the Erie County Ohio to Ralph C. and minesweeper throughout to get a stadium deal to set televise games. That put the Legislature approves a Rich Stadium opens WHERE HE SPENT MUCH Edith (Cole) Wilson. the Mediterranean and his team in Miami, Mr. Wilson young league on near-equal $23 million bond to build a to sellout crowd OF HIS YOUTH AND MOST Two years later, he near Japan. Mr. Wilson was announces that he will place an footing with the NFL, which stadium in Orchard Park. of 80,020 for a moves with his family always known as a patriot, AFL franchise, to be officially had already been around for The County and the Bills preseason game OF HIS ADULT LIFE, AND to Detroit, Michigan. though not a partisan. named the Bills, in Buffalo. over 40 years. sign a lease agreement. vs. Washington. WESTERN NEW YORK, WHICH BECAME HIS BELOVED SECOND HOME. WHILE HUMILITY, A LOW-KEY CHARACTER 1934 1944 1946 JULY 30, 1966 1970s 1960 AND AN AFFINITY FOR THE Attends first pro His actions contribute Mr. Wilson’s military career As football booms and Mr. Wilson loved football game with to U.S. forces being ended, and he returned At War Memorial transforms American being active and RUST BELT SPIRIT WERE his father; young able to land on the home to Detroit to join his Stadium, a crowd entertainment, Wilson involved, and was Ralph was thrilled beaches of Anzio, father’s insurance agency. of 16,500 watches serves on the committee known as a risk-taker. HIS HALLMARKS, HIS to be part of history Italy. His Navy Ever-ambitious, the Wilsons the Bills play their that negotiates the AFL’s He began expanding LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENTS as he watched the commendation letter quickly started expanding. first game, historic merger with his holdings to owning Detroit Lions in their said that he “showed Over time, his father focused an exhibition the NFL. The merger broadcast TV stations DESERVE RECOGNITION inaugural NFL season. courage, stamina on trucking, manufacturing against Boston. goes into full effect throughout the A lifetime love of the and initiative.” and construction; Ralph Jr. in 1970. country; he stayed in HE WOULD NEVER HAVE game was born. diversified into football, oil and the business through ASKED FOR HIMSELF. gas drilling, television stations, the late ’90s. breeding racehorses and, eventually, venture capital. OCTOBER 17, 2018 1999 JULY 31, In honor of Mr. Wilson’s 100th 1997 Wilson establishes the AUGUST 8, birthday, The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Ralph Wilson Medical 2009 Foundation officially announces Mr. Wilson signs a Research Foundation, 1999 two $100 million commitments, 15-year lease deal which contributes Another proud for a total of $200 million. with Erie County more than $11 million Still a risk-taker at moment, when the The funds will be invested 1986 and New York State to research facilities, age 80, Mr. Wilson humble Mr. Wilson in Southeast Michigan and that deepens his including Buffalo’s Roswell decided to try the is acknowledged Western New York, in support Jim Kelly joins team’s connection to Park Comprehensive venture capital with a well-deserved of their parks, trails and the Buffalo Buffalo, committing Cancer Center (formerly business, establishing honor; he is inducted greenway systems—further Bills as starting to remain in the area Roswell Park Cancer the Ralph Wilson into the Pro Football reinforcing his lasting impact on quarterback. at least through 2012. Institute). Equity Fund. Hall of Fame. the two communities he loved. SEPTEMBER 7, 1990 OCTOBER 14, DECEMBER 19, OCTOBER, 2011 MARCH 25, SEPTEMBER, 2014 1980 1992 1998 1999 2014 Buffalo Bills make the first The Ralph C. Wilson, His estate announces that Terry The Bills snap a 20-game of their four consecutive Mr. Wilson is honored Under the terms of the Mr. Wilson marries Jr. Foundation is Mr. Wilson passes and Kim Pegula, owners of the losing streak when they Super Bowl appearances. to be inducted into new lease agreement, the former established in 2011 away at his home Buffalo Sabres hockey franchise, would beat Miami 17-7. Bills fans Greater Buffalo Sports Rich Stadium is renamed Mary McLean. as the permanent in Grosse Pointe purchase the Buffalo Bills for around tear down the goal posts Hall of Fame. Ralph Wilson Stadium. It vehicle for Wilson’s Shores, Michigan. $1.4 billion. Mr. Wilson’s wife Mary said: and carry one of them up becomes affectionately philanthropy. The “Ralph brought professional football to to Mr. Wilson’s box. He known and widely referred Foundation would Buffalo in 1959; it was his life’s passion. famously tells reporters that to as “The Ralph.” later become the He loved his team and he cherished the he was just as excited as principal beneficiary fans. His legacy will remain for all time.” the fans, and didn’t mind of his Trust. Per his wishes, most of the funds go to purchasing new goalposts. his foundation, which has instructions to spend down the money within 20 years..