Donald M. Ramirez

Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure.

Obituary

Donald Manuel Ramirez, a beloved resident of Menifee, California, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025 at the age of 83.

Donald was born on February 20, 1942 in Tulare, California to Francisco Ramirez,  a farm laborer in the Central Valley of California, and Esther Ramirez Moor,  a stay-at-home mom who had a strong positive influence on Donald. Raised on Tagus Ranch near Tulare with his brother Richard, Donald cherished his childhood adventures exploring orchards, swimming in canals, and learning to shoot guns and bows and arrows—memories that remained close to his heart. A bright and inquisitive boy, he attended Tagus Ranch School and later Tulare Union High School, where he excelled academically and was a proud member of the tennis team, Spanish club, student council, and a spirited yell leader. Donald was a popular student who was well-liked by his teachers, but as a deep-thinker and inquisitive young man, also enjoyed his times of solitude.

During his senior year in 1959, Donald married his classmate Annette Jenkins, and in December of that year, they celebrated the birth of their first son. Over the years, they went on to have two more sons. As a young man, Donald was passionate about music and singing, dreaming of becoming a singer, while also exploring acting in community theater. Though he was torn between his love for mathematics and his creative pursuits, he ultimately chose to pursue a career in mathematics, believing it was the right path for him.

Following his graduation, Donald's dedication to providing for his family led him through various jobs until he discovered his true calling in mathematics. He pursued higher education at Los Angeles City College and UC Los Angeles, earning a Master’s Degree and working toward a Ph.D., driven by a passion for understanding the universe through numbers. During this time, he married Sally Berggren, with whom he welcomed his fourth son.

Donald’s professional journey was marked by a distinguished career as a systems engineer at TRW, where he contributed to the aerospace industry with brilliance and humility. A dedicated educator, Donald later taught advanced mathematics at UC Riverside and Mount San Jacinto College, inspiring countless students with his knowledge and enthusiasm. Retiring at age 70, Donald shared a life filled with love and companionship with his long-term partner Katie Minnear.  Together, they traveled the world, embracing new adventures with the same curiosity that defined his youth.

Donald’s creative spirit continued to flourish later in life through his passion for photography. He established his own studio in Redlands, capturing heartfelt moments at weddings and creating treasured memory books—his portraits revealing the true essence of his subjects. Also an avid golfer, Donald pursued being a competitor on the PGA Senior Tour and despite health challenges later in Donald’s life, enjoyed sharing quiet moments on the course and at the range with his son Tony.

In his later years, Donald found joy in simple pleasures: watching "America's Got Talent" and following the careers of singers he admired, enjoying classic films featuring legends like Basil Rathbone and Boris Karloff, and celebrating the innovative work of Ray Harryhausen. A lover of musicals such as "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Oklahoma," he also developed an interest in vintage radio shows like "Gunsmoke" and "War of the Worlds." His favorite game show was "Jeopardy!," though he believed no one could replace the beloved Alex Trebek.

Throughout his life, Donald’s generosity knew no bounds. He supported Feeding America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and animal charities, especially those dedicated to gorilla conservation. His deep love for animals was evident in his lifelong companionship with cats and dogs, especially his beloved dog, Chica, who brought him comfort and happiness.

The void left by Donald's passing is immeasurable, yet his spirit endures in the hearts of those he touched.  Donald leaves behind a profound legacy through his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and countless individuals who had the privilege of knowing him.

His smile, laughter and stories ​will be dearly missed and forever remembered. We honor and celebrate his life by embracing the beauty of the world around us, as he did with unwavering wonder and enthusiasm.

Timeline

Gallery

Memory wall

July 3, 2025

1

Dad as a child with grampa and grandma

Robert Daniel Ramirez

July 3, 2025

1

Dad and his family 1990s.

Robert Daniel Ramirez

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