Ronald Franklin Crary, the visionary evangelist and entrepreneur who established Country Life Natural Foods, a beloved brand found in Adventist food stores across the Midwest, passed away on September 13 in Grants Pass, Oregon, at the age of 83. His passing marks the end of an era for natural food enthusiasts and those touched by his commitment to healthy living and faith-based principles. His son, Tim Crary, confirmed that the cause of death was complications arising from Parkinson’s disease.
Crary’s journey into the world of natural foods began in 1967 with the opening of his first vegetarian cafeteria and health food store in Grand Rapids, Michigan, named Life Line Health Center. This establishment was far from a conventional restaurant, as highlighted in a local newspaper article aptly titled, “The meat is bogus, the devotion isn’t.” Life Line Health Center was pioneering in its approach, serving exclusively vegetarian and vegan options while boldly declaring a “No Smoking” policy. Adding to its unique character, the restaurant operated on a donation basis, allowing patrons to pay what they felt was appropriate, alongside providing religious tracts on every table.
Beyond serving delicious and wholesome meals, Ron and his wife, Sylvia, were deeply committed to community health education. They conducted five-day programs aimed at helping individuals quit smoking and offered vegetarian cooking classes, empowering people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Driven by the growing demand for their nutritious offerings, they expanded their operations to include a bakery behind the restaurant. This expansion led to the creation of Almond Delight granola, a product that quickly gained popularity. As demand surged, outgrowing the bakery’s capacity, Ron and his team undertook the ambitious project of building a factory at Oak Haven. This marked the significant evolution into what we know today as Country Life Natural Foods in Pullman, Michigan.
The success of his restaurant venture sparked interest beyond Grand Rapids. Requests began pouring in from individuals seeking Ron’s guidance in establishing similar Country Life Vegetarian franchise restaurants. Embracing this opportunity to spread his vision, Ron started traveling extensively across the country. By the mid-1980s, his efforts had blossomed into a network of 28 Country Life restaurants operating globally. Each restaurant served not only as a place for healthy, plant-based meals but also as a center for community outreach and evangelism. Many individuals were introduced to Christian values through the welcoming environment of these restaurants, cooking demonstrations, and Bible study groups. Even today, the legacy continues with five Country Life restaurants still thriving – two in the Czech Republic, and one each in France, Keene, N.H., and Columbus, Ga., testament to the enduring appeal of his concept.
Born on December 24, 1934, in Madison, Wisconsin, Ronald Crary’s early life presented significant challenges. As an only child to older parents, he unfortunately embarked on a troubled path from a young age. By eight, he had a police record, and by 13, he was on probation. His parents, struggling to guide him, eventually sought help from distant relatives, Seventh-day Adventists Otis and Ardith Crary, who offered him a nurturing home. Under their kind guidance, Ron was encouraged to attend Wisconsin Academy (WA). It was there he made the life-changing decision to be baptized, although his internal struggles with his past continued.
A pivotal moment of transformation occurred one evening after vespers at Wisconsin Academy. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ron went to the powerhouse by the creek on campus. Looking up at the starlit sky, with tears streaming down his face, he cried out to God for help. In that profound moment, he felt a divine response, hearing the words, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. I have a work for you to do and, if you are faithful, you will have a place in My kingdom.” This spiritual experience marked a turning point in his life, providing him with purpose and direction.
Ron graduated from Wisconsin Academy in 1953 and continued his education at Emmanuel Missionary College, where he met Sylvia Yoder, who would become his wife in 1956 and lifelong partner. Following college, Ron and Sylvia dedicated themselves to education, teaching at Clearwater Lake, Rhinelander, and Hylandale Academy in Wisconsin. Later, with their young family, they moved to Oak Haven in Pullman, Michigan, to fully commit to the burgeoning ministry that was taking shape there, ultimately leading to the establishment and growth of Country Life Natural Foods, a testament to his enduring vision of combining healthy living with spiritual values.
