Father Ralph Pairon was born in Antwerp, Belgium on May 10, 1928. He joined the novitiate of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (C.I.C.M.) in 1946. He was ordained December 8, 1953. The congregation sent him to the United States in 1954 where he served in various parishes until 1957. With a desire to serve more people, he transferred to the Diocese of Santa Fe and was pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Abiquiu, NM. He served a large population that included nine missions throughout New Mexico as their sole priest. In 1968 he returned to San Antonio and earned a Bachelor's degree and two Master's degrees in education. He taught at John F. Kennedy High School for 22 years. Upon retirement, he continued to minister to the retired nuns at Our Lady of the Lake Univeristy and was an ardent supporter of the Daughters of Charity Food Bank and many Native American causes throughout the United States. Those wishing to pay their respects may attend a viewing and Rosary, Thursday at 6:30 PM at the Angelus Chapel. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake, Friday at 10:00 AM. His remains will be returned to Belgium for burial in the family plot.