Carlos Arturo Ramirez Trujillo

Carlos Arturo Ramirez Trujillo, 85, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and devoted friend, departed this world peacefully on December 31, 2024, at his home in Cheyenne, Wyoming, surrounded by loved ones. Born on November 21, 1939, in La Enea, Manizales, Colombia, Carlos led a remarkable life characterized by profound dedication to his family, a passion for the sciences, and an undeniable zest for adventure.

With over fifty years as a Civil and Hydraulic Engineer predominantly within the sugar cane industry, Carlos's work took him to extraordinary places around the globe. He made significant contributions at sugar mills in La Paila, Colombia; St. Martinville, Louisiana; Gran Abaco, Bahamas; Guanare, Venezuela; and Acarigua, Venezuela. His academic journey began with a high school education from San Luis Gonzaga in Manizales before he proceeded to earn a civil engineering degree from the University of Caldas in Popayan, Colombia. A Fullbright Scholarship allowed him to further his studies at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he obtained a Master's Degree in Hydraulic Engineering in 1968. It was during his time at CSU that he met Monta Smith, (the absolute love of his life) and they joyfully married in 1967.

Carlos was a zealous family historian, capturing the essence of life through thousands of photographs and videos that will continue to be treasured by generations. His enthusiastic spirit extended beyond the lens, as a lover of all sciences, with particular fervor for archeology and astronomy. He was also known for his deep faith and unwavering devotion as a Catholic, a guiding light throughout his life.  A passionate music lover, Carlos often filled the room with his favorite boleros or bambucos, whether playing the bandola, guitar or spoons, singing or dancing to the beat.

Further endearing him to those who had the privilege to know him, Carlos was an expert fisherman, often regaling friends and family with tales woven with humor and adventure, particularly his legendary trout fishing exploits in the Rocky Mountains, salmon fishing in Alaska, as well as pursuits of peacock bass on the Majaguas and Tucupido in Venezuela. Never one to shy away from sharing a good story, he warmed the hearts of both old friends and new acquaintances alike.

A proud owner of a beautiful farm in Piritu, Venezuela, Carlos and his wife cultivated it for over thirty years, yielding high yield harvests of sugar cane, rice, corn, and beans. These years of labor bore not only bountiful crops but also became the backdrop for countless cherished family memories, embodying his commitment to both family and hard work. Carlos was the epitome of a green thumb, nurturing plentiful flower gardens in Wyoming, as well as an orchid collection and numerous trees and shrubs on his beloved farm.

Carlos also embraced the beauty of nature through fishing, hunting, camping and hiking expeditions in the mountains of Wyoming (as well as the wilds of South America) with family and friends. He had a lifelong deep affection for dogs, notably sharing an extraordinary bond with two chihuahuas, Tina and Nema, and his latest companion, Pugla, a cherished gift from his granddaughter, Alina. Moreover, his love for travel lead him to the far corners of the world, with particularly fond memories made while visiting Spain to reconnect with family and exploring the rich cultures of India and China with Montica.

Carlos is survived by his devoted wife, Monta Ramirez; beloved daughter, Alejandra Ramirez Tavelli; son-in-law, Chace Tavelli; granddaughter, Alina Tavelli (his biggest pride and joy); brother, Augusto Ramirez; and sisters, Solita Vasquez and Maria Elena Ramirez; brother-in-law Frank Smith, and many cherished nieces and nephews. He joins those who have passed before him, including his mother, Sola Trujillo; father, Luis Ramiro Ramirez; brothers Ramiro, Oscar, Fabio, and Felipe Ramirez; and daughter, Julia Nell Ramirez.

His courageous battle with Parkinsonian Progressive Supranuclear Palsy may have dimmed his light in body, yet his spirit shone brightly until the very end. Carlos leaves behind a legacy overflowing with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories, forever etched in the hearts of those he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cheyenne on Saturday, February 1st, at 10:30 a.m.  The memorial service can be viewed as a livestream (more details to follow).  A rosary vigil will be held the night before.  In lieu of flowers, please donate in Carlos' name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org)