Ramon Gil of Lompoc died peacefully at his granddaughter's home surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, July 12, 2007 at the age of 82.

Ray, as he was known, was born September 2, 1924 in Mesilla, New Mexico. After high school he joined the Conservation Corp. and was encamped in the Sequoia National Park. He joined the US Navy and served in the Pacific during WWII as a deep sea diver. After the war he joined the US Army. He retired from military service in 1963 as a sergeant first class. He then worked for the Lompoc Unified School District as a gardener for several years.

A gifted athlete, Ray competed as a boxer during his military career. An avid runner he competed in marathons and triathlons around the state and was often seen running his favorite course around the La Purisima Mission. He was well known as a trainer to many young high school athletes in the Lompoc Valley.

He was a member of La Purisima Catholic Church, the American Legion Post 211 in Lompoc, the Elks Lodge #2274 in Lompoc and was loved and respected throughout the community.

Ray is survived by his wife of 58 years, Hildred Gil of Lompoc; sons, John Wade Gil of Santa Barbara and Randall Boyd Gil of Lompoc; daughters, Sonseeah Rae Gil of Lompoc and Tonya Ann Gil of Santa Barbara; his sister, Delores Gallegos of New Mexico; his brother, Frank Gil of El Paso, TX; grandchildren, Sasha O'Toole, Gillian Esparza, Travis, Colton and Brock Gil; great grandchildren, Carter Gil, Harrison Ramon Esparza, and Travis Gil, Jr.; extended family and friends, Sharon Gil of Palm Desert, Karl Cox of Lompoc, Gary Sangenitto of Santa Barbara, Kim Gomez of Lompoc, Luis Esparza of Lompoc, Tom Lewis of Santa Barbara, Keith O'Toole of Long Beach, and Tom Blanco of Lompoc.

There will be a pot luck open house in Ray's honor on Sunday, July 22, 2007 from 2 to 6 p.m. the his granddaughter's home, 1724 Sheffield Drive in Lompoc. A gathering to celebrate Ray's life will be held at the La Purisima Mission at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 604 East Ocean Avenue, Lompoc, 93436. Arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.