George Ramirez

George Ramirez was born to Carmel Ramirez and Victoria Ramirez in Denver, Colorado, on February 24th, 1924.

His wife Cordelia Grace, daughter Kathleen Ramirez, and grandson Eugene Ramirez preceded him in death. Survived by Michael (Beverly), David (Lydia), Carol (Rob), Karen (Barney) Eileen (Perry), Christine (Ed) and to over fifty grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great children.

The life of George Ramirez was long and fulfilling. George had a strong work ethic. He worked hard to feed a family of nine and showed it by sometimes working seven days a week. George has instilled this quality and perseverance in his family. George taught many generations of Ramirez men and numerous nephews the trade of roofing.

Many words that describe George are hard-working, honest, and, most importantly, devoted. George was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

One would remember him as quiet, private, and yet in his way, caring. George shared his gentle hugs and firm handshakes as loving gestures. Family, friends, and business acquittances knew that a handshake from George and his word was a solid promise he would keep.

George Ramirez began his life with humble beginnings. Carmel Ramirez migrated to the United States with a green card around the age of twelve. Carmel worked for the railroad and received a pension from the railroad at the end of his career. Victoria, his mother, was raised in a convent when she was four years old. Her time raised by nuns taught her the importance of faith and morals that she passed on to her children. Victoria took care of the household and the children.

George was the second born to Victoria and Carmel Ramirez. Proceeding by his brother Dick, followed by Ann, Virginia, Eleanor, and Benny. Ann and George were remarkably close growing up together. George always cared for his siblings and accompanied them to ensure they arrived safely. George and Ann attended Manuel High School together. At this time, Ann had a friend, Ms. Cordelia Sanchez, who would go skating with her at Mammoth Gardens. George was respectful yet shy but was interested in courting Ms. Sanchez, Ann’s dear friend.

At 15 years old, at the height of the Great Depression, George joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps. He was able to provide his family with extra income during the Great Depression and provide much-needed conservation work in the state’s forest. George took part in building roads, trails, and campgrounds; planted millions of seedlings; thinned overcrowded timber stands; removed dead or beetle-killed wood. George left the state when the CCC camps ended to obtain more work and support his siblings back home. He moved to Bremerton, Washington, and worked in the shipyards. At this time in Washington state, George was drafted into the Army and served in Europe as a tanker during WWII. George drove a battle tank named Tiger One. George noted to loved ones that his time as a tanker was very loud and rough to drive. He compared it to being inside a tin can that rattles, a very rough drive with no seats, no insulation, and no shock absorbers, making it difficult to stand up inside the tank.

George never forgot about Ms. Sanchez; while he was overseas, he sent her letters daily. Until one day, Gracie sent a letter back. To say they had a long courtship was not true. George came home on furlough and proceeded to propose to Gracie. Once George came home from the war, he married his beautiful bride Cordelia Gracie Ramirez, and shortly after started their family.

After the war, George came back to train in a metal manufacturing company. He did not like the company, nor was the work fulfilling. George’s dad, Carmel Ramirez, got him a job at Bacon and Schram Roofing Company. He remembered this company had a contract for installing tile roofs at the University of Colorado, Boulder. On weekends he would take Gracie to the job to keep him company as he worked.

He later moved on to Asphalt Roofing Products, where he learned to install shingles, tar, and built-up gravel roofing. In 1964, he started Central Roofing Service (CRS). George remembered that he went to Central Bank to open his first checking account for his business. The clerk asked him the name of his company. He said he had not decided. She suggested, “The Bank is Central Bank; you could name it Central Roofing Service.”

He began by acquiring equipment a little at a time, parking trucks at gas stations across from North High School. He then leased a yard at 37th & Downing from Leo Herbert, a rambler dealership. George and Grace lived across the street at 3720 Downing Street. Later, George leased the 38th and Walnut Street yard from LG Furniture. Next, the company leased a small yard and building under the I-70 viaduct at Brighton Boulevard, East 46th Avenue, and finally to 4880 Leaf Court in 1987.

In the 1960’s George met Frances Staunton through Leo Herbert, Frances’ car mechanic. George had replaced the roof at Staunton’s home in Denver. Ms. Staunton then asked George to take care of her mountain property, now known as Staunton State Park. George was a caretaker at the Staunton Ranch for 20 years. During this time, George enjoyed getting away from the city on weekends and working the land in the mountain community. Grace enjoyed the mountain air, and the kids, family, and friends were able to create lifelong memories with their father, George.

Gracie and George enjoyed their time at the yard. Gracie maintained large gardens on the property. Every Sunday morning, George and Gracie could be found in the yard, enjoying coffee, and reading the Sunday paper.

In fact, the whole family celebrated many Christmas mornings together, where packages were opened, and the family shared a traditional Mexican meal, with everyone bringing their favorite dish. But one specific year, George wanted to bring the family together at the “yard” on Leaf Court.

As a parent and grandparent, George watched sporting events, recitals, programs, graduations, birthday parties, and holidays. Always present, but would sit back and observe, very rarely spoke.

In his older years, George enjoyed watching sports, the Rockies and Broncos. He loved being outside and watering his lawn; when he was in the front, he loved talking to neighbors or people walking by. He enjoyed reading the newspaper and keeping up on the news.

George was so appreciative of all the help he and Gracie received in their later years of life. You always received a “Thank You, “Thanks for stopping by, “Thanks for helping,” and “be careful going home,” and “Thanks for calling.” George had many thanks to everyone that helped him and came over.

George made front page news when his son, David, and daughter, Karen, arranged for George to receive his diploma from Manual High School. George and Ann received their honorary diplomas because George and Ann were unable to finish high school. George did not wish to be alone during the ceremony, so he asked that his sister could also receive her honorary diploma. The news article went viral on YouTube, The Denver Post, and the local news channels.

George encouraged education for his children and grandchildren alike. He believed that if you worked hard and were honest, you would stay out of trouble and have an honest heart when it was all done.