Davis RAMEY

World-Class Jazz and Classical Guitarist Extraordinaire. Davis (Dale) Ramey passed away peacefully on December 18, 2012 after a long illness. He was born in Albany, CA to Joe and Charlotte (Searcy) Ramey. He spent his early years in Prunedale (Monterey County). It was in Prunedale at the age of six he picked up the guitar and his life-long passion of playing the instrument he adored. He was well-known and highly respected for his masterful approach and unique treatment to his instrument, both as a performer and as a teacher. He was a leading guitarist in San Francisco and the Bay Area for many years He attended S.F. State and in later years became Professor of Guitar, where he taught classes to his captivated students. He was also on the staff of Monterey Peninsula College, Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, and a member of the teaching staff at ACT Theatre in S.F. He was a member of the S.F. Musician's Union Local #6 for many years. His lengthy career spanned from playing hillbilly joints to legendary jazz and classical venues. Some of his professional accomplishments included: touring with the George Shearing Quintet, performing with Tony Bennett, Mark Isham, Johnny Mathis, Gregory Hines, Earl "Fatha" Hines to name just a few. He recorded with Turtle Island String Quartet, David Grisman, Noel Jewkes, Ron Crotty, Bill Douglas, Matt Eakle, Paul Nash, Paul Binkley and others. He performed in theatre productions of: Les Miserables, Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, Porgy and Bess, Hello Dolly, Rose Tattoo and others. In the classical music field he performed in venues such as: San Francisco, Berkeley, Carmel, and Santa Cruz Chamber Music Series, San Francisco Symphony, Opera, Ballet and several KQED concerts. The private ensemble classes he taught to eager guitar students were legendary for his ability to share his enormous gifts so generously and graciously with others. He was a gifted teacher and encouraged everyone with sensitivity, kindness and humor. In his later years he and his wife Marie owned and operated the highly respected Davis Ramey Musical Services business which had the reputation for being sophisticated and professional. There will never be another person like Davis. He was truly an original, passionately authentic, highly intelligent and charming, who insisted on keeping things real. He was well-known for his outrageous sense of humor, charismatic personality and positive attitude. Davis was an innate scholar, studying a wide-range of subjects and becoming well-versed in many: history, language, science, but also gardening and building. He studied Italian, became close to fluent, and would talk to anyone fearlessly. He loved to share and discuss his studies, and imparted that love to his children and grandchildren. Family was of great importance to Davis and he strived tirelessly to connect, acknowledge and encourage each as individuals. He was also a member of the Subud spiritual community for over 45 years. He is survived by his wife Marie and their family: Liza, Ben, Alexis, Joe, Noem, Max, Kristen, and two grandchildren, Gus and Adrian. Also his brother Jack, sisters Rosanna and L'Shanna along with his nieces, nephews, cousins and many extended family and friends. A private Memorial event is currently being planned in his honor.