George "Corky" Ramirez

Whether he was serving his country on the beaches of Normandy, or serving the city of Sacramento, California as a firefighter, George “Corky” Ramirez willingly risked his life, time and time again for the safety and security of others. He was a very caring person, talented athlete and a man with a strong work ethic; Corky lived his life to its fullest.

The decade of the 1920’s was a time in our nation’s history of much transition and change, as the beginning of the decade was marked by America trying to reform to the ways of the world. This was also a time of great change for Encarnacion and Damiana (Baro) Ramirez, of Sacramento, California, as they were looking forward to their family dynamics changing at any time, as Damiana was due to give birth to their second child. They were indeed blessed on February 22, 1924 with the birth of a healthy baby boy, George. George soon was called “Corky” because it sounds like the Spanish version of his name, Jorge, which his mother often called him. Corky and his five brothers were raised in Sacramento, where they were exposed to various cultures, including the Greek and Japanese communities. Corky attended Lincoln School and then went on to Sacramento High School where he excelled at the game he loved, baseball. He was a member of the varsity team as a freshman and quickly gained a reputation as a scrappy and fierce competitor. Ramirez was also a member and Captain of the California State 1940 and 1941 Champion Manhart's Legion Junior baseball teams.

Like many young boys, he dreamed of a professional baseball career and by all accounts had the tools to make his dream a reality. However, he would have to put his dream on hold as the ominous shadow of World War II began to linger over the country. Corky, like so many young men of his day felt a deep sense of duty so, in 1942 after the completion of a baseball game, walked off the field and straight to the enlistment center to serve his country in the United States Army. As was typical of anything Ramirez did, he was an excellent soldier and quickly rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. Ramirez spent his initial years in the service playing baseball for the Army. However, the day came for him to ship out to Europe and Corky became part of history as part of the fifth wave of American troops that stormed the beaches of Normandy. The invasions of the beaches of Normandy were costly in terms of men, but the defeat inflicted on the Germans helped turn the tide of the war. Miraculously, Corky and his four brothers, who also voluntarily enlisted, were among the fortunate to come home alive.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Corky again returned to the game he loved so much and began playing baseball in the Reno area. When Corky wasn’t playing baseball, he was stringing telephone lines across Nevada. Corky's hard nosed play and strong arm quickly gained attention and it was not long before he was living out his dream of playing professional baseball. Corky was a member of the Oroville Olives, a semi-professional baseball team playing in the California League. In 1952, Ramirez had had enough of the semi-pro baseball life and despite an offer to play in Minnesota, he returned home to Sacramento to become a firefighter.

In 1960 his life took a wonderful turn when he was introduced to a delightful young lady named Laurie Ramos. The two began dating and were later married on November 22, 1962. The two newlyweds were soon blessed with the birth of their first and only child, a son they named Michael, in 1964.

Corky supported his family as a firefighter, stationed at what was known as “the busiest fire house west of the Mississippi,” Station #6, in the Oak Park area of Sacramento. Ramirez would stay at Station #6 for 30 years until his retirement in 1983. Being a firefighter wasn’t his only job, however, as Corky also had his own roofing business on the side, which provided additional income for his family. After his retirement Corky obtained his Real Estate License and worked for Metro Five Properties in Sacramento.

Baseball wasn’t the only sport that Corky excelled at as he was he was also a champion handball player. He also loved to golf and was an avid player. Corky also enjoyed fishing for Rainbow Trout in Lake Tahoe and Steelhead from the Sacramento River.

Life was not without its challenges for Corky. On April 15, 1994 just 3 weeks before the birth of his first grand daughter Corky suffered a debilitating stroke. As a result of this stroke, his son Michael brought his father to live near his home in Holland, Michigan. It was here that Corky would live out the rest of his days in the company of Michael, Molly and his 2 grandchildren Erin and Ryan. Corky would be the first resident at Appledorn Living Center in Holland, where he would spend the majority of his remaining days.

George “Corky” Ramirez was a man of tremendous strength, talent, and honor. He valiantly served his country and his community, and spent his life helping others. He never shied away from hard work and was always happiest working in the yard with his faithful companion Snooper at his side. Corky will be forever cherished in the memories of those he leaves behind.

George “Corky” Ramirez, of Zeeland, Michigan, died on Monday, December 1, 2008 at Holland Hospital. Corky’s family includes: wife Laurie Ramirez; son Michael (Molly) Ramirez of Holland MI, son Thomas Ramirez, Sacramento CA, grandchildren Erin, Ryan and Rusty; brothers Manuel Ramirez of Sacramento CA, Frank (Sue) Ramirez of Sacramento CA, Joseph (Sunni) Ramirez of Sacramento, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday December 5, 2008 at Our Lady of The Lake Catholic Church, with Father Phillip Nguyen. Visit Corky’s family and friends from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, December 4, at The Northwood Chapel Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home 295 Douglas Ave. Please visit Corky’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to sign Corky’s online registry, share a photo, leave a favorite memory, or make a memorial contribution to Christian Brothers High School, in Sacramento, CA, 4315 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95820, (916) 733-3600.