Ramon Zarate Angel Jr.

Born in Santa Barbara to Ramon Zarate and Teresa Angel, Ramon was the 3rd of 8 children. As a 2nd generation true native of Santa Barbara, he attended Franklin Elementary, Santa Barbara Junior High and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1970. Shortly afterward he joined the Local Painters and Allied Trades Union where he was a loyal member of the union and served as president for a time. He was an active union painter for over 40 years. In 1973 he married Patricia Thompson and they had 2 daughters, Reyna and Tracy.

Ramon (aka: Ray, Angel, Cardine, High Booty, and Poppy) was a dedicated family man, an avid fisherman and a lover of old cars. He spent much of his life fishing for the “Big One” in many destinations but loved Lake Cachuma (he rarely missed a trout derby) and the Santa Barbara Waterfront above all. Upon his retirement from the union in the 2000’s he fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a bait shop on Stearns Wharf which he named ANGEL’S BAIT AND TACKLE and built his dream home in Mexico.
Ramon was always restoring or buying and selling classic cars and rarely owned less than 5 vehicles at a time. He was a classic just like his cars; animated, funny and full of life. He loved life, people and was known by many. But the greatest joy in life were his loving daughters, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Sadly and surprisingly he was taken from us too soon due to health complications from a kidney transplant earlier this year. He passed away at the home of his sister Martha Angel surrounded by family and loved ones. A special thank you to Martha and her family for providing her home in those final days, Pueblo Del Rey for funeral arrangements, Visiting Nurses for assistance and most specially for round the clock care by his devoted daughters and eldest granddaughter. It was an amazing expression of love.
Ramon was preceded in death by his parents; Ramon Zarate and Teresa Angel and brothers; Pantaleon and Alphonso. He is survived by his 2 daughters; Reyna Sorenson Angel (Bobby) and Tracy Alvaro Angel (Rudy), exwife Patricia Angel. Grandchildren; Ciela Angel (Marco), Paloma, Izabella, Santino & Serena. Great grandchildren; Amarina and Isaiah. Siblings; Clara, Luis, Robert, Jesus and Martha and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Santa Barbara will never be quite the same without you Ray! He was a legend and legends live on forever.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church – 21 East Sola St.
Rosary Service Tuesday, September 27, 2022 7:00 pm
Funeral Mass Wednesday September 28, 2022 at 10:00 am
Burial at Calvary Cemetery and Reception following at the Veteran’s Hall 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd. all are welcome!

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Neal Taylor Center at Lake Cachuma