Ramon Anderson

Ramon lived on the Monterey Peninsula most of his life. He was born at Fort Ord hospital, grew up in Seaside, California, and graduated from Monterey High School. He joined the United States Navy and completed the appointment as a submarine sonar technician. Until Ramon became disabled in his late 20's, his dream had always been to become a mathematician. He once said, "I wanted to go the whole nine yards, specialize in linear equation." He moved to Salinas, California, where he was known by many for his trademark afro, friendly demeanor, and unwavering sense of humor. In Old Town Salinas, Ramon was known as "Orbit" to some local merchants referring to his habit of orbiting the downtown blocks in big circles. He would take long walks, or sit in his "thinking spot" outside of his favorite restaurant, Rosita's Armory Café. From those times at his "thinking spot" he said he would reflect and have a deeper understanding of things. It was there that Ramon could come up with the best scenarios of reflection. Ramon's Reflections: "Do you know why you need to be wearing sunglasses today? Because your future looks so bright." "Be a blessing, to receive a blessing. Give peace to receive peace." "How could you have the word 'harmony', which means getting along and then have 'harm' as part of the word'?" "Here's 10,000 loves, Keep the change" He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend and a gift to the world. Ramon is survived by his mother and step-father, Tomiko and John McCleave, as well as his siblings, Barbara, Marian, Patricia, Delores and Gary McCleave. He is preceded in death by his father, Godfrey and sister, Margaret.