RALPH I. SCHILLER, 61, of Houston, Texas died January 27, 2009 after a short battle with cancer.  Ralph was born in Pittsburgh, PA and raised in Raleigh. NC.  He moved to Houston in 1974 to manage operations at several Galleria movie theaters.  In 1976 Ralph began his career in residential lighting sales.  Ralph became well known over the years for his lighting expertise.  He furnished lighting fixtures and design for many of Houston's finest homes while working with area builders, architects, designers, and individual clients.  Ralph began working for Lightways, then moved to M & M Lighting, later to Lighting, Inc. and was happily employed by FSG-Lighting until he became too ill to work.  Ralph's passion for his work made him "unforgettable" to most everyone he came in contact with.  His flamboyant personality was also evident in his love for friends, dogs, fine wines and good restaurants.  He considered himself a wine connoisseur and enjoyed many trips to California's wine country with his "wine buddies".  Ralph was a devoted Member of the Houston Section of the IES since 1980 and served on our Board of Directors for many years, most recently as our Treasurer.  He was voted the IES Houston Section "Man of the Year" for 2008.  Fortunately he lived long enough to receive this award. Ralph will be missed by all that knew him, both at work and at play.  His passionate presence was always evident as will be his absence.  A new annual award for the best local Houston Section Illumination Award Entry will be awarded starting in 2009 in his memory.  The  Ralph Schiller Memorial Lighting Design Award will be based on project design expertise, quality of content and presentation at the local annual Illumination Award meeting.