Alastair George Ramsay

Alastair George Ramsay, a devoted husband, father and friend, passed away unexpectedly on February 13, 2022. Al, as he was known by family and friends, was born in London, Ontario, Canada to Dr. Allan G. Ramsay and Margaret Ramsay. In Canada he learned to snow ski, play hockey, and speak French.

Pursuant to his father’s medical career, Al’s family moved to Birmingham, Alabama, and eventually to Cooperstown, New York. Al graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. He later went on to graduate from Cornell University with a B.S. degree in Biology. His love for science and nature would serve him well with his volunteer activities in later years.

Al met Myra in Los Angeles, California. In October, 1991 they were married in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington. Shortly after their wedding, Al and Myra moved to Asia and lived in Singapore and Hong Kong. During this time both were working in the information technology field and spent the next five years exploring the cultures and beauty of the region. They moved back to the U.S. and settled in Bellevue, Washington, where they raised their two children, daughter Caroline and son Brandon.

With Al’s passion for helping others and desire to stay active, he quickly became involved with local volunteer groups. He was an officer with the local chapter of Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM); a Boy Scout merit badge counselor; a docent volunteer at the Woodland Park Zoo, Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, and the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. He was also a high school French tutor.

Well known for his cheerful personality and kindness, Al would not hesitate to lend a helping hand or take the extra step. His patience and love for sharing made him the perfect volunteer to teach others about nature, animals, and planes. Anyone who was familiar with Al knew that he was a World War II history buff, had a passion for airplanes and liked to talk about current events, especially politics. Playing his guitar and taking his daily walks with his wife were the simple joys of his life. He had a strong sense of faith and love for his family. He was so proud of the adults that his children had become.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Allan Ramsay and Margaret Ramsay. His survivors include his wife Myra; daughter Caroline of Vancouver, Canada; son Brandon of Seattle, Washington; sister Jennifer of Ancaster, Ontario, Canada; and nephews Simon of Seattle, and Cameron of Ancaster, Canada.

A private memorial service was held on March 30th at the Butterworth Funeral Chapel. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Woodland Park Zoo.

All are welcome to sign the guestbook below and add any message or stories for the Ramsay family.