Ralph Bronner (drbronner.com)

Dr. Bronner’s hemp icon, soap magnate Ralph Bronner has died

Ralph Bronner, the self-proclaimed “not normal” soap magnate behind the hemp-formulated Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, died Tuesday, according to the Bronner family. Bronner, the first son of Dr. Bronner’s creator Emanuel H. Bronner, died “from complications of a heart attack he suffered over the weekend,” according to the Bronner family.

The mood at the company’s headquarters Wednesday morning was sorrowful, according to one representative who said Bronner’s death “seemed to come out of nowhere.”

Bronner, the multi-million dollar soap company’s executive vice president and spokesman, was 78 years old.


UPDATE: Read the Bronner family’s entire statement on Ralph Bronner’s passing — calling him “a spiritual giant, a walking Buddha of love and laughter” — at the very bottom of this post.


(facebook.com/DrBronner)
(facebook.com/DrBronner)

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Ralph Bronner passed away yesterday, from complications of a heart attack he suffered over the weekend,” the Bronner family’s posts on Facebook and Twitter read on Wednesday morning. “Ralph was a beautiful force of nature, the heart and soul of Dr. Bronner’s, who inspired us all to hold true to the mission of spreading love first, making profits second.

“Ralph loved people, singing songs, giving hugs, telling jokes and pumping people up on just how great his father’s soaps and message of peace was. Thank you Uncle Ralph for being so awesome, we love you and will miss you sorely! ~ The Bronner Family”

Ralph’s father Emanuel H. Bronner died in March 1997. Ralph Bronner was the subject of the 2006 documentary film “Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soapbox.” According to the Dr. Bronner’s website: “Ralph is known for carrying out his father’s messages of hope for a unified world, and for continuing to lead Dr. Bronner’s on the progressive path it is most known for pioneering.”

By Wednesday morning, the soap company had started an #RIPRalph hashtag on social media.





“Many a child and grandchild of the Sixties know the Dr. Bronner’s brand:” Read our review of Dr. Bronner’s soap


Here is the Bronner family’s official statement on the passing of the man they called “Uncle Ralph.”

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Ralph Bronner passed away yesterday, from complications of a heart attack he suffered over the weekend.

Ralph was a beautiful force of nature, bowling over everyone he met. Ralph along with his late brother Jim and sister-in-law Trudy, took over and shepherded Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps through a critical period in the 90’s, when the company was forced into bankruptcy and Dr. Bronner’s health was failing. Under their steady pragmatic guidance, the company exited bankruptcy on sound financial footing and became a leader in progressive employee and business practices.

Ralph was the heart and soul of Dr. Bronner’s, who inspired us all to hold true to the mission of spreading love first, making profits second. Ralph loved people, singing songs, telling jokes and pumping people up on just how great his father’s soaps and message of peace was. A true man of the people, there wasn’t anyone that Uncle Ralph wouldn’t approach — and within 5 minutes have them belly laughing and hugging him. He was a spiritual giant, a walking Buddha of love and laughter.

At his birthday in early June, close to the anniversary of his brother Jim’s passing, we brought our magic foam experience to make a memorable fun-filled day at Wellspring (an organic farm we support), with lots of kids, laughter and singing. There was a special energy of love and appreciation in the air from his brother who created the foam, giving him a big foamy hug from the spirit world.

Thank you Uncle Ralph for being so awesome, we love you and will miss you sorely!

Love in All-One,
The Bronner Family