Mr. Ramon Antonio Ramirez

Ramon, “Moncho”, was born on June 16th, 1957 in the beautiful town of San Fernando, Chile to Carlos and Olga (nee. Marin) Ramirez. Ramon spent his early years living in and around the coastal townships just outside of Santiago, Chile with his family. Ramon attended Liceo de hombres during his formative years. Although this was a strict educational environment Ramon found many sneaky ways to circumvent authority and perpetrate his numerous hilarious antics without ever getting caught or losing favour with his teachers.

Ramon graduated from Liceo de hombres on December 17th, 1976.. A week later, Ramon along with his family fled Chile and were thankfully granted asylum in Canada on Christmas Eve.

Even though Ramon had graduated high school in Chile he was “forced” to complete the 12th grade again and graduated, for the second time, from Saint Mary’s High School in June of 1977.

Ramon was a self-described ‘smooth operator’ with a ‘velvet tongue’ when it came to conversing with the ladies until he met the love of his life, Noemi De Las Mercedes Leon who, at first sight left him both speechless and scared on a sunny day in September that same year.

Their courtship lasted for two glorious years when Ramon finally summoned enough courage to ask for Noemi’s hand in marriage. Ramon married Noemi, his high school sweetheart on July 14th, 1979 which was also Noemi’s 19th birthday.

As a newly married man, Ramon perused many new endeavors with success as he was naturally talented in a variety of different fields. During his first years living in Canada Ramon worked as a driving instructor, an office manager, a skilled construction worker, a heat treatment operator and a camera and sound engineer for Cable 10. During this time Ramon also volunteered as the acting representative for the Spanish Senior Community Association.

During the first day of Dieciocho (Chilean independence day celebration), September 18th, 1980, Noemi had some special news to share with Ramon. Noemi informed Ramon that he was going to be a father! Ramon was of course elated and replied to Noemi’s news by saying, “the fireworks that are being set off in Chile are now also for this momentous occasion!”

Becoming a new parent was not a daunting task for Ramon or Noemi. Both came from large families which provided the young couple with many opportunities to practice and perfect their skills on how to care for a baby, usually spending time looking after their young nieces and nephews.

On April 11th, 1981 Ramon and Noemi ecstatically welcomed the birth of their first child Ricardo Antonio Ramirez. Ramon instantly bonded with his son. He relished in the moments spent teaching Ricky how to crawl, walk, then kick a soccer ball. Ramon enjoyed taking Ricky to car shows, even before Ricky was able to talk. Ramon also became his sons Soccer Coach. He was an extremely passionate advocate of the game and would sometimes become too enthusiastic and be asked to leave the pitch to calm down. These were the memories that Ramon would fondly speak of when recounting his time spent with his son.

Ramon made sure that he attended every school event, concert, award ceremony and graduation, from kindergarten all the way through high school. Ramon did this so he could experience these special moments with his beloved children. Ramon was able to create lasting memories with his children that are now reflected upon with the benefit of giving them an endless supply of joy and comfort.

In early August of 1986 Noemi was able to surprise Ramon with the delightful news that he was going to be the father of 2! Even though Ramon was a busy father of soon to be 2 children, as well as a young husband and entrepreneur, Ramon still felt he could attain more by pursuing a post-secondary education and attaining a Degree.

On February 9th, 1987, Ramon and Noemi were blessed with the birth of their second bundle of joy, their daughter, Tanya Noemi Ramirez. Ramon fell in love with his daughter the moment he laid eyes on her. She was his little girl! Ramon loved to show off his Tanya, often drawing everyone’s attention to the fact that she had his dark complexion and his chin, which then would be followed by Ramon proudly pronouncing, “Oh am I in trouble! I’ll be chasing the chiquillos away!”

A week after Tanya’s early arrival, Ramon Began his post-secondary education at DeVry Institute of Technology. The years of 1987 through to the beginning of 1994 were one of Ramon and Noemi’s busiest times during their life spent together. Ramon would spend his days in school, attending his classes and often staying longer to finish his assignments in “peace and quiet”. Noemi new EXACTLY where he was and never harbored any resentment. Noemi would instead offer her husband a smile and a warm meal when he finally returned home at the end of the day.

Ramon invested any free time that he could spare when not studying into maintaining a strong bond with his children.

Tanya had a very special relationship with her dad. Ramon, who would freely admit to being extremely protective; to the point of not being able to handle the thought of his precious daughter sleeping over at someone else’s home, would instead facilitate Tanya having sleepovers at her home, under “his roof”. Ramon didn’t want to deprive his daughter of anything so he would always take on the task of facilitating such events. This fatherly undertaking would often mean that he would drive and pick up each and every one of Tanya’s friends, usually with Barbara being the first one on his list of scheduled pickups. He would then supply whatever food, pop, candy or other treats that Tanya would want, put up with the noise until the early hours of the morning where he would then drive each of them home again.

Ramon loved taking Ricky and Tanya to the Calgary stampede where they would get to go on every ride that they met the height requirements for. The Ferris wheel was the only ride where Ramon would not let his little girl ride alone. Although he was extremely uncomfortable with heights, Ramon would ride the Ferris Wheel with Tanya and point out where their house was when they were up high enough to see the cityscape.

On Saturday, February 26th, 1994, Ramon Antonio Ramirez Graduated DeVry Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering. With his newly minted Degree in hand Ramon began his Electronic Engineering Career working for GeoX Systems as an Electronic Technician until they closed their doors in May of 1999. Ramon then briefly worked for Sanmina Canada until he decided that another career change was necessary due to the difficult job shortage in his current field.

In the beginning of 2000 Ramon began working for the City of Calgary Water works division where in 2009, Ramon began receiving long term Disability due to the progression of his illness, Cortical Basal Ganglionic Degeneration, which he was diagnosed with in January of 2008.

Ramon was a generous, witty and dedicated individual who loved being involved in every aspect of his childrens’ and grand-childrens’ lives. This passion for family was also equally shared with his wife Noemi. Together they fully supported their son Ricardo and daughter-in-law Jocelyn, by giving them the opportunity to continue on with post-secondary schooling while simultaneously saving up to purchase a home of their own. This generosity afforded Ramon and Noemi the privilege of being able to watch their grandchildren blossom and grow on a daily basis. Ramon, who was now unable to work, enjoyed making breakfast for his granddaughter Jullien each school morning, packing her lunches and ultimately driving her to school ½ way across the city each morning because she would almost always miss her bus. Jullien would then successfully get her “Tata” to stop at Mac’s where she would have him purchase a chocolate bar or two and other sweets to add to her lunch. Ramon was unable to say NO, EVER.

Ramon also shared a common passion of cars, with is second grandchild, Jacob. He would always be on the lookout for anything “transformer” related, which he would then purchase and eagerly bring home to “Surprise” Jacob, just because, as Ramon would emphatically state,” BECAUSE I CAN, I’M TATA”. He would then look on in amazement as Jacob would figure out how to “Transform” these vehicles into amazing robot figures and back again.

Ramon enjoyed teaching his grandchildren Jullien and Joshua how to play his beloved sport of soccer, relying on his previous experience as his son’s soccer coach and his own masterful skill of the game. He was always the first one to jump up and cheer when Jullien or Joshua made a goal or when the ref made a ridiculous call. He was able to watch his granddaughter play her first game in the CMSA league as a Timbit and her final game as a CMSA tier 1 team member of Foothills FC.

Ramon and his third grandchild, Joshua had a very special relationship. Ramon would often comment on how much Joshua reminded him of himself. They both could be serious and then a second or two later evoke laughter from even the most stoic soul. Joshua enjoyed spending time with his “Tata” playing soccer on the fields nearby and learning new ways to beat his sister on the pitch. Ramon was able to celebrate in Joshua’s most recent achievement of making Team Alberta, where Joshua dedicated this accolade to his Tata”. Ramon made sure that Noemi would share his last message to Joshua upon his passing. His message to Joshua was simple, “Joshua every time you step onto that pitch, I will ALWAYS be there with you, watching you play and cheering you on. I love you ‘Chanchito’’.

Ramon and Noemi’s youngest grandchild, Rhys was always a source of endless entertainment. From Rhys’s early and abrupt birth, which almost happened in their upstairs bathroom, to Rhys’s preference to “Mama”. Ramon was brought to laughter numerous times each day by his “Rhys’s Pieces”. Ramon would often note just how similar his own son, Ricardo and Rhys were. He would often comment on how much alike, both in looks and temperament they both were. Ramon would always playfully heckle Noemi every time Rhys would passionately demand, “No! No, TATA! Mama!” when attempting to change him or hold him or put on his shoes. Ramon and his youngest grandson both shared a unique bond with their love of Music and Dancing. Ramon and Rhys would spend hours upstairs dancing in the computer room with the Chilean pop music station playing in the background with Ramon often exclaiming,” yes he’s got my rhythm, Look! Look at him move!”

Ramon always believed that going to college was the key to success and was passionate about helping his children and grandchildren foster a love for school. Ramon took pride in helping each one of them discover their hidden talents that would help aide them in the pursuit of their dreams.

This continued spirit of dedication to family was again shown from Noemi but this time Ramon was the recipient. Noemi dedicated the rest of her time and effort for the entirety of Ramon’s illness caring for him, completely. Noemi was the only one that Ramon wanted to have care for him. With Noemi’s professional background, as a palliative care nurse, she was able undertake this task with his extremely complex needs.

Noemi, without hesitation or question continued to provide Ramon with dedicated daily medical, physical, spiritual care and support until his final breath that he took while embraced in her arms. Noemi’s acts of pure devotion toward her beloved Moncho will be a lasting testament to the deep and immense love they both shared for one another and will continue to resonate upon the hearts of generations to come.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ramirez, Ramon Antonio

Known for his quick wit, bigger than life smile and his immense love for his family, Ramon Antonio “Moncho” Ramirez died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on November 25th, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 59 years.

Ramon is survived by his Mother, Olga Ernestina Ramirez of Calgary; his lovingly devoted wife Noemi Ramirez of Calgary, his children Ricardo (Jocelyn), Tanya and her childhood friend Barbara, grandchildren; Jullien, Jacob, Joshua and Rhys Ramirez of Calgary, his supportive sister-in-law Darling Leon-Diaz, his father and mother-in-law, Orlando and Elena Leon of Calgary, siblings Carlos (Maria) of Calgary, Olga Barcelo (Claudio) of Calgary and Christian of Venezuela and many family members. Ramon is predeceased by his father, Carlos Roberto Ramirez of Calgary. Ramon “Moncho” was born on June 16th, 1957 in the beautiful town of San Fernando, Chile to Carlos and Olga (nee. Marin)Ramirez. Ramon spent his early years living in and around the coastal townships just outside of Santiago, Chile with his family. At the age of 18 Ramon and his family were forced to flee their homeland of Chile due to the continued peril caused by Pinochet and his regime. Thankfully Ramon and his family were given asylum in Canada. Ramon and his family landed in Calgary, Alberta in December of 1976 where they began to forge a new life in a new country. Soon after Ramon met and married the love of his life, Noemi de las Mercedes Leon. They were high school sweethearts and were married on July 14th, 1979 which was also Noemi's 19th Birthday. During their marriage Ramon and Noemi had 2 children Ricardo and Tanya. He continued to pursue his education while happily juggling parenthood and married life. Ramon received his Bachelor of Science degree in electronic engineering in February 1994 and worked in his field until 1999 where he made a career change due to the continued lack of work in is field of expertise. He began his second career with the City of Calgary Waterworks Division in early 2000 where he continued to be actively employed until his illness forced him to stop and accept long term disability. Ramon didn't let his illness stop him from enjoying life and was actively involved in his children and grandchildren's lives, with the support of his devoted wife Noemi, until his passing. Mrs. Noemi Ramirez and family would like to express their most sincere thanks to Hearts and Hammers for their dedication and hard work with transforming their home to help and accommodate Ramon’s mobility needs. Noemi would also like to personally thank her sister Darling Leon Diaz for temporarily relocating to Calgary from Santiago, Chile to help support Noemi with caring for Ramon. The family would also like to express their gratitude towards Ramon’s many therapists, doctors and other caring professionals that gave comfort to Ramon throughout his illness. These gifts of time and generosity allowed Ramon to live the last years of his life exactly where he wanted to be, at home with his wife, his children and grandchildren. Thank you for giving our family the priceless gift of Ramon, who was able to be present and celebrate 30 more birthday celebrations, 2 more wedding anniversaries, 2 Jr. high school graduations, 1 Sr. high school graduation, 1 trip to Drumheller, 3 trips to Banff, 4 provincial soccer tournaments, 4 elementary school Christmas concerts, 2 more Christmas day celebrations, 2 more new year’s eve parties and finally, his very last day on earth surrounded by his loving family. Noemi and family will cherish every one of those precious moments that were so graciously gifted to us. Again, we thank each and every one of you who helped make these last years of Ramon's life possible. A Service of Celebration in memory of Ramon’s amazing 59 years of life is scheduled for 2:00pm Saturday, January 7th, 2017 at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery). All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ramon’s life. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.