The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Mr. Ramirez to accompany him to his final resting place and it is our honor to do so.
Gilbert Ramirez enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 in 1945, and during his tour of duty, was there to celebrate the surrender of Imperial Japan while still somewhere out in the Pacific on his refueling barge. His reason or desire to join was in his words, “I just wanted to go out into the action.” Upon returning from the War, he immediately went to work, something he was doing until the day he died.
Gilbert was a past member of the Santa Barbara Horticultural Society. Ever the optimist, it was only natural that he became a member of the Northside Optimist Club of Santa Barbara. Our father loved his garden and anything to do with plants. His career after the War had him working into his 60s and 70s on some large estates in Hope Ranch.
Gilbert “Gil” Ramirez, lost his life after being struck by an automobile while crossing State St. Saturday night Feb 24, 2018. The multiple injuries he sustained were too severe to allow him to recover. It is quite ironic that a man who led such a peaceful life should have his life ended by such trauma. Today, his peace in Heaven with his Lord and Savior will continue the life he led here on earth.
Gilbert was married in Santa Barbara to Carmen Gonzalez, also from Santa Barbara, on May 7, 1950. She preceded him in death on April 12, 2016. Gilbert is survived by his sister, Julia Martinez of Santa Barbara, as well as his three children, Rebecca Bustos (Ralph) of Prescott Valley, AZ, Armando Ramirez (Gayle) of Santa Barbara, CA, and Cynthia Anderson (Christopher) of Leesburg, VA. He also has six grandchildren: Anissa Bustos of Modesto, CA, Gabriel Bustos (Chelsea) of Turlock, CA, Ryan Ramirez and Kenneth Ramirez (fiancée Caroline Rowland) of Santa Barbara, CA, Connor and Kyle Anderson of Leesburg, VA, and two great-grandsons, Noah and Beckett Bustos of Turlock, CA, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church services to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Thursday, 15 MAR 18:0915 - Stage at St. Raphael’s Church, 5444 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
https://goo.gl/maps/bGKFpNduVJK20930 - Mission briefing
1000 - Flag Line for Church service
1100 - Est Flag Line for transfer of Hero to coach
1115 - Est KSU to Calvary Cemetery, 199 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
https://goo.gl/maps/GBfEag3YNs321130 - Est arrival at Cemetery
1145 - Flag Line for transfer of Hero to graveside and Military Honors
R/C John Archuleta
Patriot Guard Ride CaptainSouthern California
Phone: 805-441-8506
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
