Ramon Cardenas Sr.

2033 - 2025

Ramon Cardenas

1933 ~ 2025

Salt Lake City, Utah-Our charming, charismatic, endearing, and humble Ramon Cardenas passed away on Friday, September 26th at the lovely age of 92 surrounded by his family and in the arms of his loving wife Liliana. The love was palpable in the room which reflected what Ramon meant to his family and friends.

Ramon was born on July 2, 1933, in San Luis Potosi Mexico to Rosa Cardenas, his cherished mother, who was always in his thoughts. Ramon spent his early years in San Luis working for Al Libro Mayor, a historic bookstore and stationary business that instilled in him a work ethic that he carried throughout his life.

In the mid-fifties Ramon's uncle, Alfonso Cardenas, persuaded and assisted Ramon in immigrating to the United States, landing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ramon held a variety of jobs in Salt Lake City before leaving for San Francisco, California. In San Francisco, Ramon worked in the dining rooms of two high-end restaurants, the Alexis' Tangier on Nob Hill and The Franciscan on the wharf, planting the seed of hospitality and fine dining service in his heart. As a result, Ramon loved a well-set table! On his day off one day, Ramon sauntered into a Mission District restaurant for a meal. It is in this restaurant that he was served by Maria Quinonez, the woman who would steer him into cooking and the restaurant industry. Together they embarked on building a good life for themselves and their children, Lucy and Ramon Jr. In 1965, the family moved to Salt Lake City to give their children a better life. They took over a restaurant, The Casa Grande on State Street, which they operated for 20 years. On any day, you could hear Ramon and Maria working together, cooking, singing, laughing, and debating (for lack of a better word). Ramon had a beautiful voice and loved to sing and whistle a tune. Ramon had passion for life. He loved his friends, he loved parties, he liked to do things right, he loved a good bar. A meticulous cook, he never rushed the process of a perfect Chile Verde. His new batch had to be better than the last, was his motto. He was an artist with plating, handling each dish with care and love. This led to the growing success of the Red Iguana which he established in 1985. That same year, the Casa Grande closed its doors and Maria and Ramon Jr. joined him, and they never looked back. Ramon touched so many people, so many lives, so many hearts. His purveyors loved working with him, his staff adored him.

Ramon was no stranger to close calls: after surviving colon cancer and withstanding chemo for a year, Ramon got back on track cooking and running his restaurant. Then in 1997, Maria's health started to decline. Ramon took great care of Maria after she was diagnosed with dementia. Seeing the care our father took with our mother was inspiring; but it took the life out of him during that time. After Maria's death, Ramon's zest for life could not be extinguished. With an open heart, he explored possibilities to continue living a fulfilling life. His quest was interrupted by the death of his beloved son Ramon Jr. Ramon Jr's death was a huge loss to the family, the Red Iguana family, and the community. Soon after Ramon experienced another health challenge; it was one after another until his body healed. What Ramon wanted to heal was his heart and thanks to a cupid flying around his circle of family & friends he met Liliana Jimenez. A lovely person with a heart of gold. Ramon adored her and they married in 2009 at Red Iguana 2 on New Years Eve! Since then, Ramon's life has been blessed, enjoying love, retirement, travel, good wine, and good friends.

Ramon's health started to decline 2 years ago but his smile, his joy, his love, remained intact for all his loved ones and pets. Ramon is survived by his wife Liliana Cardenas, daughter Lucy Cardenas (Bill Coker), Granddaughter Zara Cardenas, goddaughter Gladys Duenas, brothers Raudel, Eduardo, & Amador, Salazar, (Mexico).

The family is grateful for Intermountain Hospice and the wonderful staff there, especially Rebekah, and to Ramon's doctors and nurses that crossed his path, thank you.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 9th at 2:30pm at the Cathedral of the Madeline, 331 E South Temple, SLC. To be followed by a celebration of life at 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the State Capitol Rotunda, 350 N State St. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in Ramon's name to the Rose Park Neighborhood Center & Good Samaritan Foundation. https://gsfutah.org/