|
Deceased Classmate: David Ramsay
Date Of Birth: 04-28-1949
Date Deceased: 02-18-2019
Age at Death: 69
Cause of Death:
Classmate City: Biddeford
Classmate State: ME
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: Douglas Ramsay
David Allan Ramsay, my identical twin brother, died peacefully on Feb 18, 2019, at the age of 69. Born and raised in Schenectady, NY, he was a nearly 50 year resident of southern Maine, a passionate collector and antiques show exhibitor, until ill health sidelined his career, three years ago. Educated at Northeastern University, Boston, MA, after a brilliant early career in journalism, he followed me (it’s a twin thing) into the antiques business, in 1980. Pursuing a very active show schedule, he exhibited from Texas to Florida to his adopted home of Maine, exhibiting at major shows throughout the country. David’s tenacious personality served, as those who knew him well, both as his foil, and his greatest asset. Admirably, to the credit of his insistence on living an authentic life, he “outed” himself as a gay man, in 1967, decades before such courage became common. When gravely stricken with esophageal cancer, in 2016, he fought bravely to recover. Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer metastasis, this past October, he beautifully embraced the perspective he’d been introduced to, 35 years earlier, as a member of Alcoholics Anonymous; the importance of living fully, one day at a time. He faced his last few months of life feeling blessed, with gratitude and grace. My personal thanks to his best friend of 25 years, Billy Winslow, whose unconditional devotion sustained David’s spirits throughout, unrelenting, as his end approached. David passed in the compassionate care of Gosnell Memorial Hospice, Scarborough, ME. A seaside celebration of life remembrance is planned for April 28th, our birthday, at York Beach, ME, our family’s four generations family summer home and vacation site. Friends can get further details through inquiry to the website link, below. I’ll remember him, always, with love, as my other half. Rest in peace, brother. Doug Ramsay DBRantiques.com Hadley, MA
|
Paul Pawlaczyk
Doug,
So sorry to hear about Dave.
May he rest in peace.
=P=
Jeffery Fuchs
Dear Doug,
So sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. May his memory be a blessing.
With sympathy,
Jeff Fuchs
Sherryl Villano (Elston)
My deepest sympathy Doug, Billy, and family. David is fondly remembered from our days at Oneida and Linton. We never know what path our life will take and it is good to know that David embraced his life's journey so fully.
Mary (Polly) Campbell
I am so saddened to hear of David's death. David, Doug and I grew up together on Waverly Place. Kindergarten on.David and I were good friends in high school, often causing trouble in classes we shared. We both loved New England and especially ME where we both settled.
I am happy to know that he lived life on his own terms, true to himself.
Doug...please know that you are in my thoughts and that your brother will always have a special place in my heart. Polly Campbell
Janet Bellamy
Doug,
My condolences on the loss of your brother. His life was too short but it sounds as if it was fully lived.
My best wishes to you and your family,
Janet Bellamy
Maureen Amazon (Fraser)
Doug,
Over the years I have often wondered what happened to my twin friends from middle and high school. I fondly remember Dave and I sharing homeroom and many classes. I vividly remember going to the veterans hospital with Dave to visit your dad. He was always smart , funny and knew just what to say. I am happy that he enjoyed his life to the fullest. May the memories that you shared for so many years help you through this difficult time. Sincerely, Maureen
Joanne Brooks (Brooks)
Doug, I'm also really sad to hear this news. Dave and I hung out together a lot over the years. We were often partners at Miss Flynn's dance classes. I remember winning a roll of Necco Wafers there with Dave as my partner. I drilled holes in them and made a necklace, which I proudly wore for a couple of weeks. He played piano for me to sing at some event - maybe the senior luncheon. I sang "Where is Love?" and he gave me a bouquet of daisies, which I insisted on holding during the performance. I didn't think I was nervous, but afterwards, he told me that every time I raised my arms, the daisies were shaking like crazy. 'Never quite lived that one down! There are so many more stories I could tell.
Dave always had a twinkle in his eye, and we laughed a lot together. We also enjoyed being cynical together, and he could be brutally honest. Like Polly, I was partners with him in more than our share of mischief. I saw him at one of our reunions - maybe the 25th. He seemed to be happy with the life he had carved out for himself and we talked about staying in touch. Of course, we didn't, but I always hoped I'd see him again.
My deepest condolences to you and everyone close to Dave. I know he'll be missed.
- Jody Schein Brooks