Executive vice president and spokesman of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps Ralph Bronner passed away on Tuesday, February 10 at the age of 78.

The first son of company founder Emanuel H. Bronner, part of Bronner’s mission was to keep “carrying out his father’s messages of hope for a unified world, and for continuing to lead Dr. Bronner’s on the progressive path it is most known for pioneering,” according to the company website. A reading and audio visual teacher for 32 years, Bronner helped grow the family company alongside his father during his career as well as after his retirement

In a official statement on the company Facebook page, the Bronner family fondly remembered the man behind the multi-million dollar company, calling him “a beautiful force of nature…who inspired us all to hold true to the mission of spreading love first, making profits second.” The message also notes his contributions to the company’s success, describing how he, along with his late brother Jim and sister-in-law Trudy, took the company through a critical period in the 90s, exiting bankruptcy and becoming a beacon for progressive business practices. Bronner was also a passionate supporter of folk music, both being a "one man promotional band" for the company in health food stores across the country as well as organizing children's groups to sing at group homes and nursing homes.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 28 at Schmidt-Bartelt Funeral Home in Menomonee Falls, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to any charity that helps the needy or to The Dr. Bronner Foundation, which will distribute funds to Bronner’s favorite causes.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, April 2015, (online 2/17/2015)