Ramiro Gutierrez

Ramiro Gutierrez, also known to family as Milo, age 47, passed away on Monday March 20th of 2017 in Carrolton, Tx due to cancer. He was born on August 31st, 1969 in Valle Hermoso, Tamaulipas, Mexico to Eloy & Irene Gutierrez - Camarillo. Raised in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, Ramiro went on to graduate from preparatory school in Monclova, and came to the United States in 1987. He would go on to complete an Associates degree in Applied Sciences, and receive certification in Auto Body Technology from Eastfield College. Soon after, he was awarded multiple certificates in the field of Auto Body Refinishing, through prestigious programs from organizations such as Sherwin-Williams, as well as being regarded a national representative for Eastfield College’s auto body program alongside close friend Carlos Ojeda.

He married Diana Gutierrez in 1996 and was happily married for over 21 years. He showed his devotion to Diana going back and forth to Honduras over a period of years, as Diana arranged her legal status in the United States. Before that however, Ramiro began as a legal immigrant from Mexico at the young age of 18, with no knowledge of the english language. Ramiro went on to teach himself the language, and rise in the ranks of the automotive industry, specializing in diesel truck reconstruction, becoming a national trainer for Werner Enterprises and ultimately becoming a professor at Eastfield College where he dedicated his life and efforts to many students for over a decade. Ramiro would begin every semester by telling his students the story of how he became a professor in an effort to provide a real life example of achievement in the face of difficulties. One particular semester, he taught a class at Eastfield - Pleasant Grove campus. It was there that he expressed to his students that he began his first job in the United States in a small shop known as Rocky’s Auto Body shop on that same street. As he looked for the building that gave him his first opportunity in America, he came to the realization that the body shop that was once there, was later replaced by the building in which he was now teaching; Eastfield College - Pleasant Grove campus. The realization brought him to tears of pride and achievement as his journey brought him to the same location under completely different circumstances. However, Ramiro’s efforts went far beyond personal achievement as he created and coached many student organizations including automotive, tennis and soccer clubs which led students to multiple championships, as well as helping his students to gain both group and individual achievements in education and especially personal development.

In his spare time Ramiro enjoyed many things, including singing songs, dancing and playing music. He devoted many of his musical talents to God and to his family. He had a love and appreciation of art and fashion, culture, poetry and philosophy, technology and photography. Ramiro was always well dressed for any occasion, and ready to make you smile or laugh out loud at any time. He loved to see people smile. He enjoyed talking to people anywhere he went, teaching us that although the world may think differently, he felt that most people were good people, many were just misunderstood. In his later years, he began playing tennis, which led him to many championships across Texas, and giving him an opportunity to interact with people of all kinds. His athleticism led him kayaking across open water all over the state, scuba diving and exploring the world around him, and most importantly to him, spending time with his family and close friends; teaching them all about the ways of the world and the beauty within it, with a smile on his face and a drive like no other. The world would be a much smaller place for many people, if it wasn’t for Ramiro. He always believed in giving sincere unconditional love and advice, while being honest and direct, and was never reluctant to express his joys and his woes to himself and the world.

His family and friends will always remember Ramiro as a dignified, positive, caring, and motivated individual. Although these words can not nearly describe the impact and positive influence he has had to everyone he has come across; friends, family, students and strangers alike. His attitude in the face of difficulty was one of determination and confidence regardless of how steep the odds. His philosophy on life could be described in many ways, however one quote he left us with repeatedly is that “a challenge is just an opportunity to prove your true strength”. He taught us that “a bird does not belong to the nest in which it is born but to the skies in which it will fly”, encouraging all those around him to worry not about becoming the fastest or the strongest, nor the smartest or the richest, but to strive to become the best versions of ourselves, regardless of what background one is from, or what may have been in one’s past. Ramiro’s journey was truly unique and remarkable in every sense of the word. His ability to strive above all odds showed us that strength comes in many forms. His struggle with his illness taught him that "the human body is temporary but our essence is eternal.” Even in his most difficult moments, Ramiro was able to tell jokes and smile, sing and be grateful for the blessings of life and the ability to consciously appreciate the things that we can easily take for granted, like water running through our fingers, the warmth of the sun on our skin or the sweet song of a bird. To know Ramiro is to know a blessing in the form of a human being. Many lives were touched and inspired by his as we hope they continue to do so. They say that the light of one candle can light one thousand more, if anyone has embodied and given us a true example of what that means, Ramiro Gutierrez Camarillo was the one.

He is survived by his wife Diana Gutierrez and his youngest brother Rudy Gutierrez, who in his eyes, he saw a son, guiding him since birth. He is survived by his siblings Lidia & Elizabeth, Andres & Eloy Gutierrez, his many nieces & nephews and many God children, who he shared his understandings of the world and life with. He is survived by his many students and close colleagues and friends, his teammates and even his opponents. In his eyes, all had something to give and learn from. He will forever by survived by all those inspired by him, be it through personal interaction or through his story and his drive to achieve. Ramiro had an ability of making you know you are unique and reminding us that we all have something to contribute to the world. He is survived because although we lay his body to rest, his essence will live eternally through us all.

Other notes or accomplishments:

Ramiro began playing tennis at the age of 35 and in 12 short years, rose to the ranks of 37th in the State Of Texas as certified by the United States Tennis Association, winning multiple Singles and doubles tournaments, including regional and state wide championships. Although Ramiro began playing tennis at abandoned courts with little knowledge of how to play, he worked hard and went on to become a player sought by people of many different skill levels, ages, and philosophies, playing in some of the most prestigious facilities in Texas. At a young age, Ramiro dabbled in music and poetry recitals for Mexican patriotism, taught himself to sing and play guitar, and as an adult, started a band and became the lead singer for over 10 years, achieving success with his musical aspirations, and becoming a solo singer for Sunday mass at The Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Downtown Dallas. Eventually inspiring that love of music and culture to many people around him. His voice was powerful yet soothing, and Ramiro had a way of completely giving himself to anything he put his heart into, his music was no exception. Ramiro was truly a giver in every regard, wether it be food for those in need or time to those that searched for his guidance. His heart and doors were always open and his self confidence and humility gave him the ability to take hold and find comfort in any situation. Even in his passing, he coordinated events to be most convenient for the attendees, told jokes to keep his family’s spirits high and gave us profound knowledge to set us up for the best life possible. To have known Ramiro has been a blessing in many ways for many people, may he enjoy eternal life and peace and protect us through spirit as he always has in flesh. Thank you God for your gift of his presence. Amen.