“The University of Pikeville family was saddened to learn of Father Ralph Beiting’s passing this week, following a brief illness. He died at the age of 88, a spiritual leader and humanitarian whose efforts will continue to transform lives in Eastern Kentucky and Appalachia.

In 1996, Father Beiting joined our board of trustees and for the better part of a decade this “missionary of the mountains” enriched our lives with his wisdom and selfless service. An instrument for change in our region, he believed that helping others become self-sufficient would ease the burden of poverty and create communities built on faith, hope and love.

As a trustee, Father Beiting would gladly tell others why he, a Catholic monsignor, was happy to promote a Protestant college saying, ‘I have been deeply impressed by the courageous men and women of God, no matter what their religious affiliation, who strive to bring about a change that no one thought possible.’

In his biography, A True Man of God, he prayed for the strength to continue working for God’s people in Appalachia – until his last breath. And, by all accounts, he did.”