New Mexico State Executive Director Salomon Ramirez, whose sudden death on Oct. 22, 2011, was a shock to family, friends, coworkers and the entire FSA family, will be laid to rest tomorrow in New Mexico.
“Salomon was a true friend and I very much valued his advice and counsel,” said FSA Administrator Bruce Nelson. “He was thought of very highly by everyone he worked with in the Farm Service Agency and USDA. His passing is a loss not only for New Mexico, but for the entire nation.”
Ramirez served more than 35 years at USDA, most recently being appointed by the Obama administration as the New Mexico State Executive Director. Prior to that he was director of FSA’s Production, Emergencies and Compliance Division and served as deputy administrator for Farm Programs.
A native of Rociada, N.M., Ramirez was passionate about helping farmers and enjoyed spending weekends on his family’s ranch where they raised cattle and produced hay. He also was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas A&M Aggies.
Ramirez is survived by his wife of 34 years, Rosalie Ramirez, daughter Amanda Chavez, son Ryan Ramirez, granddaughter Elana, his mother Angie Ramirez, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
The funeral will be held Thurs., Oct. 27 at Santa Maria del la Paz Catholic Church, 11 College Dr., Santa Fe, N.M., at 10 a.m. A rosary will be recited on Wed., Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at the church. Friends and colleagues can visit a website dedicated to Ramirez’s life and legacy.
Condolences for the Ramirez family can be sent to:
The Ramirez Family
c/o NM FSA State Office
6200 Jefferson NE, Ste. 211
Albuquerque, NM 87109
