Messages from Ed's Beloved Wife Raquel ("Raqui")
From 2021
November 1, 2021
Remembering Paul Ramirez


He’s kind and unassuming in spite of his degrees,
He’s always so helpful with everyone he meets.
Not a sore word does he utter but a smile instead
He is one of a Kind, My loving Brother…

He’ll fix anything for you even if he’s blue,
Because he aims to please using his engineering skills
He’s always there to lend a hand as he cares for you dearly
And may bring in his inventions too.

He’s a true gentleman and carries the charm,
Enjoys travel and leisure with a camera on hand
He enjoys a good laugh and cracks some jokes too but
He loves the buffet most of all especially desserts like Leche Flan.

He has spent his years creating things as he is innovative,
He enjoys teaching as he loves his students and they love him too
But his Faith and his Love of family was the most important thing of all,
As he coined the phrase “La Union es la Fuerza;” “Unity is Strength!”

His grandkids call him “Papito” and his family like my Ed, ”Pablito,”
But to me, He’s just my loving Big Brother, Paul
Who I will keep forever in my heart and soul!
I WILL MISS YOU BUT I KNOW, THAT WE WILL SEE EACH AGAIN…

YOUR SISTER, RAQUI

I chose this song “I’LL REMEMBER YOU” by ELVIS PRESLEY since he was Paul’s favorite singer.

                                I’LL REMEMBER YOU
                                      ELVIS PRESLEY

                                I’ll Remember You
                                Long after this endless summer is gone
                                I’ll be lonely, oh so lonely
                                Living only to remember you

                                I’ll remember too
                                Your voice as soft
                                As the warm summer breeze
                                Your sweet laughter, mornings after
                                Ever after, I’ll remember you

                                To your arms someday
                                I’ll return to stay till then
                                I will remember too
                                Every bright star we made wishes upon
                                Love me always, promise always
                                Ooo, You’ll Remember too

                               I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER
                               MY QUIET HERO, PAUL
                               YOUR SISTER, RAQUI

A Son's Reflection of His Father

Dear Daniel,

Thanks for sending me the message you wrote " A SON"S REFLECTION OF HIS FATHER"  which I am forwarding to Chris Rogers to post on Ed's website.

Ruth and I attended the mass and ceremony and we cried together and held each other tightly.  You gave a beautiful eulogy of your Dad.  I am sure he was so happy hearing your words and so was Ed.  I was deeply touched by them as Matt Hausle commented and by the photos of us together all these years.

Love and prayers,
Tita Raqui
------------------

Dear Tita Raqui,

Below is my composition that I wrote about Dad on February 11, 2019.  At the bottom, I dedicated it to Dad.  I am honoured that it will be posted on Uncle Ed’s website.

Love and prayers,

Daniel 

A Son’s Reflection of his Father 
written February 11, 2019 by Daniel Ramirez


     I find myself constantly reflecting on memorable moments I had during my formative years with my Father.  I always looked at him with so much love and respect.  I always knew he was a genius and to date I am so proud to say he’s my Dad.  His tenderness cannot go unnoticed, my Dad has a heart of gold.  I have so much to be thankful for because my Father positively contributed to the person I am today.  As I watch my Father previously shake off mini TIA’s, now suffer dementia and most recently a brain hemorrhage, it is slowly morphing the man I once knew and it makes my heart ache so much that it is difficult to put into words how I feel because it’s overwhelming.  The thought of these changes saddens me to no end and all I can do now is smile and  show my Father how much I love him any way I can.  Sometimes I don’t think he even realizes how much I love him.  As the Beatles so often preached in their song compositions, “all you need is love” and it’s true because without love, life does not have much meaning. 

     I understand my father is still alive but these medical incidents are slowly making my Father unrecognizable and in a way writing about my Father comforts me and reminds me how amazing he is and also makes me realize that a part of him continues to live in me. In life one can only hope that one day we will encounter a person or if we are lucky several people we can say that have made an impact in our lives. Well my Father is unquestionably one of them. My core founding principles were influenced by my Father such as my faith, way of life, supposed intelligence, my thriftiness, and even my humour. But the biggest thing of all that my Dad instilled in me is love. Love oneself, love others and live your life loving while demonstrating compassion. 

In loving memory of my father. 

Daniel Ramirez
DEAR DAD – EULOGY
Daniel Ramirez
November 2, 2021

I want to thank everyone who took the time out of their busy day to honour and pay their respect to a special person, my Father, Paul Ramirez. I also want to acknowledge and thank those family and friends who are joining us virtually. Your presence is also felt.

Today is an unforgettable day, one that will remain ingrained in my memory forever. It’s a day where we remember and celebrate my Father’s life. Therefore, I’d like to take this opportunity to briefly share with you all who Paul Ramirez was and the special person he was to our family and to those who’s paths he crossed along the way.

My father was born April 9, 1943 in Manila, Philippines to Antonio Ramirez and Maria Castilla. He was a devoted brother to Raquel Ramsey. He was the best and most exemplary husband, Father, Father-In-Law, Grandfather (aka Papito), Brother-In-Law; uncle, cousin, nephew and friend.

My father was also such an accomplished academic and professional, I find it necessary to share and give tribute to his notable achievements throughout his life. And to be clear, I am not intending to boast about my father’s successes, I am just a PROUD SON!

EDUCATION

My father obtained a four-year University Academic Scholarship at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), in Manila, Philippines.  In 1964 my father graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at UST. In 1965 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at UST. Finally, in 1968 he graduated from a Master’s in Mathematics and Physics at UST as well.

My father was lead researcher and co-inventor and Awarded Letters of Patent for two inventions (the Electrolytic Fuel Generator and a Anti-Pollution Device). He was awarded Silver medals and was MAGNA CUM LAUDE in 1964 and in 1965 upon completion of his Mechanical and Electrical engineering degrees.

Over the course of his career he successfully completed 5 publications in the areas of Manufacturing Mathematics; Anti-Pollution Devices; Temperature Distribution in a Homogeneous Incompressible Liquids; Acoustics; and Thermodynamics.

My father dedicated himself to teaching Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Science and Technology courses to College and University students.

My father received the GILBERT ENGINEER, honorary degree and Diploma of Merit awarded by the A.C. Gilbert Company for his creation using an A.C. GILBERT Erector set.

My Father became a National Science Development Board Scholar at UST for his academic achievements.

He was Assistant Supervisor at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital (which was part of Engineering Services Department, in Manila, Philippines)

He was Assistant Chief Engineer at MANILA GARDEN HOTEL

He was Technical Assistant Manager to Managing Director of INTERCANE PACIFIC, LTD (in Manila, Philippines)

He was Vice President – of Technical Operations in R & R INTERNATIONAL, INC (in Manila, Philippines)

He was Controls Engineer (EX-CELL-O CANADA, LTD) in Windsor, Ontario.

Gained Over 18 years of experience in Controls Engineering Professional CAD design and development.

And was a professor at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario for almost 20 years.

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

My father’s personal life is also one to be proud of. He had a successful and loving marriage and LOVED my Mom with ALL HIS HEART and would blindly follow her to the ends of the earth. He was a devoted father who taught me everything I know and I thank God that I had the patience and foresight to ask questions and learn as much as I could from him. One of his proudest moments was becoming a grandfather or Papito as the kids called him. He was thrilled to know our first child Cristian was a boy and would carry on the Ramirez name. When Amy was pregnant with our second child, I can recall a conversation where he said to her, “Amy if you try hard enough you can make it a girl”. He desperately wanted a grand daughter and a sister for Cristian. We slowly came to realize that my father wanted Cristian to have the same love and bond that he had with his dear sister Raqui. So, imagine his delight when we told my father that his wish came true and we would be welcoming a little girl, Olivia.

I can recall so many childhood stories my father would share about growing up in the Philippines and treasured memories of his sister Raqui. My father and Raqui shared a bond like no other and always looked out for one another. My father would take great pleasure in annoying his little sister by breaking her toys so that he had an excuse to fix them.

As a devoted brother, my father would also benefit from his relationship with his sister by chaperoning her to international beauty pageants that she MC’d. So of course, knowing that he would be surrounded by hundreds of beautiful women he jumped at the opportunity.

Above all, one of the greatest gifts that my father gave his sister was introducing her to the love of her life on New Years Eve, EDWIN RAMSEY. 

As you can see, my father was a family man. He absolutely adored his family. He was so intelligent and had so much wisdom to share. My father was known as the man behind the camera, aka the “paparazzi” as we jokingly called him. He loved to travel, and he looked forward to every special occasion where we would be able to get together for a family meal. My father loved buffet restaurants, especially the dessert bar. He would often go up three to four times! We joked that he had a hallow leg to store all of this food. My father loved singing and karaoke especially to Elvis Presley who was his man crush. Most of all, my father was a man of great faith.

My father was an extremely pleasant person and I will miss hearing about his childhood stories; his smile; his quirks; his laugh; his warm embraces; his ideas for new house projects where he carefully considered every minor detail.

As time went by and was nearing his golden years, I looked forward to seeing my father involved in his hobbies or planning his next trip but his health challenges limited these opportunities.

Despite this, my father kept smiling and made the best with the cards that were dealt to him. He was able to meet many PSW’s in Windsor, Ontario and in Ottawa and travelled to many museums and participated in many group activities. He demonstrated so many of his talents like singing and monopolizing trivia games that he quickly became one of the more popular figures in the group. For the short while he was at a long term care residence, and despite COVID restrictions, he became a local celebrity as he was actively involved in most activities and everyone loved him.
The truth is, my father had an infectious personality and was a genuine and authentic person. He ALWAYS placed the needs of others (especially his family) before his own. He avoided conflict at all costs and he always looked for the good in everyone in place of passing judgement.


Although the last years were more challenging for him from a health perspective, Dad was happy because he was with his family.

Dad, thank you for everything you did for us. You will be missed by all of us. Thank you for loving your family unconditionally. No doubt, you will continue to forever live in me and in your family. I will ensure that I pass on all the same lessons and principles you imparted in me all these years.

I love you forever Dad. Until we meet and embrace again in our next life.

God bless,

Daniel
March 7, 2021
Ed's Eighth Year Anniversary


Dear Family and Friends,

For Ed, on your 8th Anniversary:

        WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

I open my eyes but I do not see you,
I look around but I cannot find you.
You should be here, but you are not?
How did that happen? I do not understand.

The day seems lost without YOU
The hours seem longer cause I miss YOU
The joy that I felt has embed away 
And I am left with emptiness and sadness.

Where are the plans we made?
What will happen if this is truly true?
I cannot surmise the future,
But it will be nothing without YOU!

I will ponder on this day and think about us,
if it would have been different,
I will close my eyes again,
And hope this time that You are here!

FOREVER IN MY HEART,

RAQUI



I am sending two photos as attachments, one in 1945 when Ed came back from WWII  and the other at the Mt Soledad Memorial Ceremony in 2002.



I chose the song, "YOURS" by VERA LYNN in 1941 with the Mantovani Orchestra as it brings back the war years of Ed and the wonderful life we had for 34 years.

                                YOURS

Yours till the stars lose their glory
Yours till the birds fail to sing
Yours to the end of life's story
This pledge to you dear, I bring

Yours in the grey of December
Here or on far distant shores

I've never loved anyone the way I love you
How could I, when I was born to be 
Just yours.

This night has music, the sweetest music
It echoes somewhere within my heart
I held you near me. oh darling near me
I have a message I  must impart

Yours till the stars lose their glory
Yours till the birds fail to sing
Yours to the end of life's story
This pledge to you dear, I bring

I've never loved anyone the way I love you
How could I, when i was born to be
JUST YOURS!

Thanks for your constant love and care,
RAQUI❤





Dear Aurora,

What a beautiful heartfelt poem that touched me so much!
I am sharing it with family and friends who know you both.

Love and thanks,
Raqui


Dear Raqui,
I am trying to be poetic as I remember Ed today. We love you. 
Aurora 

March 7: A day to remember

On this day, eight years ago
We received the sad news that Ed, our hero,
Our father figure and friend, 
Left  us for an unknown terrain.  
 
We shed a tear for he is gone,
Leaving us memories of things he has done.  
In the Philippines during World War II,
To keep us safe and free from the enemy. 

Ed Ramsey, our hero,
Brave and courageous, he led 
The last cavalry charge  to protect the people, 
From the conquerors' might.  
  
With great esteem we honor Ed, 
A kind human being and a war hero. 
Whose exploits are recorded in his book,
Never Surrender: The Ed Ramsey Story. 

We loved Ed not only as a war hero but as a loyal friend,
Great yet humble, generous  with a pure heart. 
Today, we remember him, with deep affection. 
To light the life of Raqui, his beautiful wife, our gracious connection. 


God bless,
 
Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera, D.Hum. (h.c.)
President - Congregational Tower Residents Association
NaFFAA Region 10 Chair Emeritus
HYPERLINK "mailto:aurorasorianocudal@gmail.com"aurorasorianocudal@gmail.com
CP: 619.755.3930
LL : 619.934.7693

"I can do all things through Christ, the source of my strength."
May 9, 2021
Remembering Ed on his Birthday


Dear Family & Friends,

As we remember Ed, on his Birthday; I wrote this poem, "What is a Rainbow?" and included photos from our time in Hawaii when we had rainbows at the Hale Koa Hotel and the rainbow that appeared on his Burial in Arlington National Cemetery on June 28, 2013.

Also a photo from the 100th Birthday celebration on May 9, 2017 at the Luxe Sunset Hotel with all of you sharing your memories of him. 

Thank you for being there with me at the toughest moments of my life!

Love and prayers,
Raqui


WHAT IS A RAINBOW?

THREE COLORS OR MORE; A SIGHT TO BEHOLD
SCIENTISTS SAY IT IS THE WEATHER THAT MAKES IT,
LOVERS SAY IT IS THE VIEWERS THAT EXPLAIN IT,

IN MY MIND, I KNOW IT HAPPENS BECAUSE NATURE WANTS IT
A RAINBOW TO ME, WAS ED’S GIFT ON OUR ANNIVERSARY
THE 22nd OF DECEMBER FOR 20 YEARS IN HAWAII.

THEN HE SAID ‘GOODBYE’ WITH A RAINBOW IN THE SKY
ON JUNE 28, 2013 IN ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
AS I LOOKED OUT MY WINDOW AFTER THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A RAINBOW APPEARED RIGHT ON THE GRAVES AND I CRIED!
BUT I KNEW ED WAS SAYING “YOU’LL BE FINE,"
THERE IS YOUR RAINBOW AND ME.”

So I chose “SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW’ by Judy Garland
For his Birthday Song

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
WAY UP HIGH

AND THE DREAMS THAT YOU DREAM OF
ONCE IN A LULLABY

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
BLUEBIRDS FLY
AND THE DREAMS THAT YOU DREAM OF
DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE

SOMEDAY I'LL WISH UPON A STAR
WAKE UP WHERE THE CLOUDS ARE FAR BEHIND ME
WHERE TROUBLE MELTS LIKE LEMON DROPS
HIGH ABOVE THE CHIMNEY TOPS THAT'S WHERE YOU'LL FIND ME

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
BLUEBIRDS FLY
AND THE DREAM THAT YOU DARE TO DREAM
OH WHY, O WHY CAN'T I?

             
                                        
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE
FOREVER MORE!
                                                                                     
                                                               RAQUI
        
May 2021
Presentation of the Ed Ramsey Scholarship Award


Mr. Dale Magnin presented the annual Ed Ramsey Scholarship Award to Cadet Jake Matthews.  Dale writes, "Here's myself presenting Jake Matthews with the scholarship.  He was very appreciative of your support.  He'll be commissioned this summer and is hoping for the Infantry Branch.  A really good cadet."

Congratulations Jake!