After a few minutes of speaking with Ralph Showers, it’s crystal clear the Camp Verde resident has far too many memorable stories and experiences for one short newspaper article to encapsulate.

A fourth-generation Arizonan and the grandson of a territorial senator, Showers has called Arizona home despite a career that’s taken him everywhere from Uganda to Japan and even into what was then the Soviet Union.

Showers spent many years as a keynote and motivational speaker, often helping others learn to deal with adversity in their lives.

It’s something Showers has experience with after losing both of his forearms in an accident decades ago.

It didn’t stop Showers from going on to found Rainbow Acres, the home for developmentally disabled adults in Camp Verde. From humble beginnings and a couple of trailers, Rainbow Acres has grown into a permanent “ranch” that’s home to nearly 90 adults.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, April 4, issue of The Camp Verde Journal.