Manuel Duran Ramirez, Jr.

Manuel was a son, brother, father, grandfather, Uncle, nephew, cousin and great companion. He was an “easy-going” guy toward all who had the privilege of meeting and knowing him. He treated all people with kindness and believed that it didn’t matter who you were- he was always there to welcome you with a gentle heart.

A native of Hanford, Manuel’s first job was for the Sentinel delivering newspapers. He attended Hanford High School where he played baseball and football. Every day on his walks and bike rides home after school or practice, he would cross over the 198 highway on Douty Street. This is where he found his passion that would later evolve into his career. Manuel knew he wanted to build bridges and create an easier way for people to travel.

Manuel was blessed with a child at a very young age. Two weeks prior to his high school graduation, he became a young father to his one and only son, Derek. Knowing he had to make smarter, more responsible, long-term decisions for his family, Manuel applied and was accepted into California State University-Fresno on a full ride scholarship (He was very smart!). He worked in Student Services and studied science, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

After college, Manuel started a career at the California Department of Transportation, also know as Cal-Trans. Within District 6, he served 25 years as a Transportation Engineer in the Permits Division. He worked within the counties of Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern and met many great people along the way, all who will surely attest to his kind heartedness.

Manuel was known for his attention to detail in everything he did. His love for precision and accuracy was at a high level and he always found the right way to do things in order to produce great results, even if his methods and madness seemed somewhat tedious and redundant. He was a man that everybody loved and was always able to put a smiles on faces.

Manuel had a strong desire for music, sports, and cooking. Every year, he would cook the best turkey for Thanksgiving and welcome friends and family over to his house with open arms and hospitality. He recorded countless musical and other artistic performances on television that were always the latest and greatest of the time. You know Manuel was a loyal person because he bled purple for his football team, the Minnesota Vikings, no matter how their season was going. He was always knee deep and “in the know” about the coolest and hippest topics of pop culture and always wanted to share the things he enjoyed with those around him.

Please keep Manuel Duran Ramirez Jr.’s family and friends in your prayers. We thank you so much for your support. God Bless.