Peter R. Ramsey

Pete passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. He was born on June 6, 1953 in Bozeman, Montana to Myrtle "Mickie" Ostina (Gilberg) and William "Bill" Thomas Ramsey. Peter, along with his life-partner Dwight Youpee, moved to Santa Barbara in 1980 after annually attending the Channel City Kennel Club Dog Shows and the Santa Barbara Kennel Club Dog Shows beginning in 1975. Peter had a consummate knowledge of pure bred dogs and was an accomplished owner- breeder- exhibitor of Manchester Terriers. His kennel pedigree-Ramsgate, was well established in the pure bred dog show world, with most of his dogs attaining their championships. Peter was elected and served for many years as Governor of the American Manchester Terrier Club District 7, and was a member of the Channel City Kennel Club of Santa Barbara. After retiring his Ramsgate Kennel, Peter continued as a professional dog groomer. A gifted artist who studied Art History at Montana State University, he was a connoisseur of art and was widely recognized for his expertise and renowned collection of antique and contemporary dog art. Another of Peter's talents was his appreciation of succulents; and everyone marveled at his creation of the magical garden around his home. Peter had an exceptional knowledge of plants and all animals, both domestic and wild. Among his many other interests were photography, Fine Arts, Interior Design and Space Planning. Peter was an entertaining conversationalist, as well as an impeccable gourmet chef who could execute fabulous meals. And of course, Peter liked all things "Mickey." Mickey Mouse is ever present in every nook and corner of his home. Of special meaning to Pete, was his interest and involvement with American Indian culture, art and history. Along with his partner Dwight, Peter was an active supporter of American Indian education, specifically through the American Indian Scholarship Fund of Southern California. Pete was predeceased by his father "Bill," his mother "Mickie" and his nephew Steve Verwolf. He is survived by his life-partner of 38 years, Dwight Youpee of Santa Barbara; sisters Mary Don Ramsey of Poulsbo, Washington, Sigrid Schunke of Boise, Idaho; brother James Ramsey of Vichel, France; nephew Lucas Verwolf and niece Dallas Verwolf both of Seattle, Washington; nieces Vida Mayes of Nampa, Idaho and Shelly Wray of Eagle, Idaho; and his extended Native American Sioux family of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Northeastern Montana. Pete's family would like to thank Dr. Mary-Louise Scully of Sansum Clinic for her dedicated care and support, as well as the many other doctors and staff of both Sansum Clinic and Cottage Hospital-a truly exceptional team to whom we are deeply grateful. We also want to express our deepest gratitude to his many friends who supported and visited him during his time in the hospital. Peter's kindness and gentleness and quick wit endeared him to many people, and he will be sorely missed by everyone whose life he touched. For those who would like to honor Pete's memory, in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to: The American Indian Scholarship Fund of Southern California (tax-exempt: #51-043627 federal, #2646598 state), and send to 23705 Vanowen Street, PMB 154, West Hills, California 91307. A memorial gathering to celebrate Peter's life is planned for 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at the Chase Palm Park Center, 236 E. Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, California 93101.

Peter R. Ramsey

June 6, 1953 - March 13, 2012