Thomas J. Ramsden was born on March 19, 1928 in San Jose, Calif. to Thomas Ramsden and Josephine Carbajal. Tom had one sister, Viola Richard of Modesto, Calif. and his nieces, Carol and Cathy. When Tom was 3 years old, his family moved to Ventura, Calif.
Tom enlisted into the Navy on May 5, 1945, following WWII. He was trained as an Electronic Engineer. His Navy career gave him the opportunity to travel throughout the world. He participated in many important events. He served as a Chief Aviation Electronic Technician. He retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer after 27 years of service. He continued his service at Vandenberg AFB and worked for Philco Ford as a supervisor in the PMEL Lab for 10 years.
Throughout his Navy career, he participated in many changes. Sea and Air Power etc. He played and important part in the Heritages as evidenced by the Armed Forcers Reserve Medal, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, the Philippines Independence Ribbon, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon, the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaigns Medal, the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. Throughout his military career, Tom served in numerous duty stations, including at the Naval Air Base at Skmar, in the Philippines as and Aircraft Technician including the Aviation Patrol Aircraft. After retirement, Tom was an avid horseman. He owned and trained 14 horses. On of his best was a mare named Maplewood that he bought as a 3 year old. She was a granddaughter of Lightening Bar, Sire of the famous Doe Bar. Maplewood lived to be 35 years old. Tom loved his horses and dogs. He always believed that to handle a horse, you must gain their respect. Tom worked on many ranches in the local area. His objective was to gain experience.
Tom had 4 children from his first marriage: Thomas Jr. of Lompoc; daughters Alethea Muehi of Ojai and Joyce Olivera of Ventura. Son-in-law Danny Olivera, 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Tom was a member of the American Legion Vandenberg Post 125 for 25 years. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1717.
His wife, Felisa Lego Ramsden, son Thomas Jr. of Lompoc daughters, Althea and Joyce and son-in-law, Danny Sr, survives Tom.
Graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2013 at the Lompoc Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.
