Gordon Dale Ramstetter

Gordon (Tine) Dale Ramstetter passed away on December 7, 2015 at the age of 83, and is resting high on that mountain. He was born March 13,1932, the first son (second child) to Otto and Bertha Ramstetter in Golden, Colorado.

He was raised in Golden Gate Canyon, one of 8 children, in some of the toughest years America has seen. His father passed away when Gordon was just 12 years of age. He finished school through the eighth grade but then went to work to help the family survive in the lean times of the Great Depression. At the age of 16 he started working for Jefferson County and helped build the road up Clear Creek.

In 1956 he met Patricia Knight at the root beer stand in Golden and they were married a year later. They were blessed with their first son in 1958 followed by another son and three daughters.

He started his own business, Ramstetter Excavating, in 1958 and that was his lifetime endeavor. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and absolutely loved to hike the hills. Rare was the day to see him without his beloved camera and a better-read man would be hard to find. He was a constant student of history and spent many an hour watching wildlife he so enjoyed. He was a loving family man and treasured working with his sons and grandchildren in the business he built. A man of unerring faith, strong convictions and unparalleled work ethic, his word was his bond and he treated all with kindness and respect. He walked the walk in all aspects of his life and his sense of humor, honesty and humility endeared him to all.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Ramstetter, son David (Katie), daughter Janet (Brian), son Zachary, daughter Diana (Bill), daughter Debbie (Jim), sister Rose, sister Arlene (Vern), brother Charlie (Mary), sister Nora, brother Richard, 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth, brother Franklin, and half-siblings Raymond, Ernest (Presh), Myrtle Leona and Elsie Rebecca, Virgil and Lois.

Words simply cannot express how deeply he was loved and will be missed, but he remains always in our hearts and will be forever remembered.

A celebration of life will be held at the First Methodist Church in Golden Monday December 14, 2015 at 10:00AM followed by a graveside service at Golden Cemetery and a reception at the church. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Gordon Ramstetter by calling 1-800-822-6344.