Richard Ramirez
Jan. 17, 1937 - Jan. 6, 2018

LUCERNE, Calif. – Richard Ramirez, died unexpectedly after a short illness which was complicated by diabetes, at home in Lucerne. He was born in Fresno, Calif., to Edward and Soledad (Martinez) Ramirez.

Dad was a US Army veteran and received both sharp-shooters and good conduct medals. He retired from Kaiser Steel in Napa and went on to run his own painting business for several years.

He was vital, vibrant and extremely youthful for his age. As a friend put it, " he just stopped aging after he got to 50."

He loved hiking, fishing and, in his youth, hunting. He was also a talented landscaper and meticulous gardener.

Being a Ramirez, he never quite got the hang of just sitting around and was often found applying his green thumb to his friends' and neighbors’ yards as well as his own.

Dad's outgoing and friendly nature drew people to him and he was well-liked and well-loved. His passing brought many tears.

He leaves behind his daughter, Maria Ramirez Manahan (Henry); son, Richard Ramirez Jr.; grandson, Andrew Snook; and a “plethora” of favorite nieces and nephews. Cousins, too.

He is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Erin Snook; and brothers, Ernest, Donald, Ronald, Rudy, Bobby and Gilbert. He was also preceded by his beloved canine companion of 19 years, Chang.

In lieu of a service, we are celebrating his life the way he would have liked, with a potluck/barbeque, from 2 to 6 p.m., on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Glashoff Farms in Suisun Valley, Calif.

Vaya con Dios, you ol’ rattlesnake: We love you!