John Ramsey

Sept. 17, 1916-Aug. 25, 2004

Former longtime La Cañadan John Elias Ramsey, 87, who most recently lived in Palm Desert, died Aug. 25, 2004 in Rancho Mirage.

He was born Sept. 17, 1916 to James Campbell Ramsey and Sara Ramsey in Youngwood, Pa. He married Dorothy May Briere, on Aug. 17, 1947, in Las Vegas.

John was chief of material for the advanced development program, better known as “The Skunk Works” at Lockheed Aircraft. He was a member of the University of Southern California Alumni Trojan Club, the Lockheed Stardusters, the Portola Men’s Golf Association and the Palm Desert Shrine.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Ramsey of Palm Desert; three daughters, Jolana Ramsey of Rockledge, Fla., Susanne Lackey of Angels Camp and Georgia Kline of Australia; five sons, John Ramsey of Eagle Point, Ore., Larry Ramsey of Laguna Niguel, Phillip Ramsey of Montrose, Leo Ramsey of Quartz Hill and Russell Ramsey of Los Angeles. He also leaves 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Winnie, Fay and Violet; and his brother, James Ramsey.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, at the Portola Country Club Clubhouse in Palm Desert. Inurnment will be private with Palm Springs Mortuary in charge of arrangements.