Gabriel Olague Ramos |
| Posted 2009-07-05 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Friday, June 19, 2009 Gabriel Olague Ramos died at the age of 99 at his place of residence, Peaceful Valley Care Home, on June 11, 2009. Gabriel was born on March 24, 1910 in Aguas Caliente, Mexico. He was the second of 13 children. His father, Juan, was hired to work on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad and the family moved to Needles, Calif. There they resided in section houses owned by the railway, which had neither electricity nor running water. Though they had little, this is where his love affair with the desert began. In 1927, the very large Ramos family moved to Los Angeles, Calif. where Gabriel and his brother were able to learn the art of baking from their father. In 1932, he met Trinidad Lara. While riding his bike to visit her one day, he was struck by a truck and sustained a leg injury that would later prevent him from serving in the war. Trinidad visited him in the hospital while he was recovering and their friendship bloomed into love. They were married on March 10, 1934. In 1939, they went through the then intensive process of becoming naturalized citizens. Trini and Gabe had six children. With a growing family of his own, Gabe found the need to learn a trade. Upon graduating, he went to work as an apprentice machinist. For the next 30 years he labored at the company, Masoneilan, eventually becoming a manager, supervising 20 other machinist in a large shop. Gabe retired at the age of 65 in 1975. Retirement found Gabe very busy. He taught himself to type, play the piano, trumpet and guitar. With busy hands, he also learned how to work with stained glass and made beautiful Tiffany lamps, windows and sun catchers. His passion was really found in woodworking, though. He made furniture pieces large and small, toys and decorative items that his family cherishes. A social and caring man, he was president for three terms of the East Los Angeles Senior Center. Through the Center, he and Trini had fun participating in trips, dances and parties. Gabriel lost his beloved wife of 68 years on Oct. 31, 2002. Yearning to be near the desert again, he decided that Prescott was the place for him and moved here with his daughter, MaryEllen and son-in-law, Mike Chavez in 2003. His years in Prescott were some of the happiest in his life. He was the humble patriarch of our family. By his example, his six children, numerous grandchildren and many great grandchildren have learned to never give up, to follow things through to completion, to keep inquiring about the world around us and to do our part, whether large or small. We love you and thank you, Gabriel Olague Ramos. To be part of your journey has been an honor and an adventure. A memorial mass will be for Mr. Ramos will be at 2 p.m. July 3, 2009 at St. Catherine LaBoure Catholic Church in Chino Valley. Gabriel was a patriot. Five of his brothers proudly served in the Armed Forces. It was his wish that in lieu of flowers, monetary donations be made in his name to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 500 Highway 89 North, Prescott, AZ 86313, Attn: Voluntary Services Dept. Memo: In memory of Gabriel O. Ramos Information provided by survivors. |
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