Raymond Becker

Becker, Raymond Raymond Becker, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 having spent the past five years with multiple health issues which began with a fall and ended with Parkinsons disease. He was affectionally referred to as the "Grandfather of Kalamazoo Real Estate". He was the Executive Vice President of the Association for 38 years. He also taught real estate classes for Kalamazoo Valley Community College, University of Michigan, and the Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors School of Real Estate. Ray's passion for his work led to many advancements and innovations in the industry. Through his work, Ray made many connections and friendships that lasted his lifetime. During his tenure he received numerous honors and awards. One of which is an auditorium named after him at the GKAR facility. The MSAE "Michigan Society for Association Executives" of which Raymond was a long-standing member stated, "During his tenure, Becker has tripled the membership, organized monthly orientation classes for new members, developed a membership manual, developed the Kalamazoo Board of Realtors' Multiple Listing Service into one of the nation's first computerized programs and took first place honors for his public relations program at the National Association of Realtors." Becker also developed a member orientation program for member boards of the Michigan Association of Realtors, for which he also established a group insurance program. His list of achievements also includes contributions to American Society of Association Executives and the University of Michigan Alumni. Raymond attended Northwestern Michigan College and received a scholarship to attend Michigan State University. On April 17, 1987, the Dean of the Graduate School of Business Administration of MSU wrote, "Your alma mater is proud to recognize your achievements. Clearly your being selected as the recipient of the first Real Estate Alumni of Michigan Scholarship back in 1955 was an excellent choice. The leadership, service and contributions to the industry that you have made cause that scholarship to be one of the best investments ever by the industry." Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Casper Hubert Becker and Gertrude A. Dierich; brothers, David Becker, Gary Becker; former wife, Marilyn Jane Becker; sons, Kurt Becker, and Philip Becker. He is survived by daughters, Audrey Cavanaugh, Cheri Glisson, and Holly Becker-Baratta; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and his wife, Priscilla Willis, who he married in 1990. In remembrance of Raymond Becker – "Some people come in our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same." A family and friends gathering to honor Raymond is being planned. Memorial contributions can be made to the Raymond C. Becker Realtor Business Scholarship at Northwestern Michigan College, 1701 E. Front St. Traverse City, MI 49686 or the Van Andel Institute for Parkinson's Research – VA1 Attn: Philanthropy, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. www.langelandsterenberg.com