Ramiro Barrera Jr.

Ramiro Barrera Jr. Ramiro Barrera Jr., a devoted family man, avid cyclist, marathon runner, triathlete, and world traveler died peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones early on the morning of Monday, March 24, 2014, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. A native Laredoan, he was a coach and kinesiology instructor at Laredo Community College for 32 years.  Truly, Ramiro will be greatly missed by his former athletes, students and all who had the good fortune to know him. Ramiro was never happier than when he was surrounded by his loving family. His was an eternal love for his wife, Minerva Barrera, as was most evident in their constant companionship. His children, Ramiro Barrera III, Cordelia Barrera, Raul Barrera, and René Barrera could always count on their dad to participate in their next adventure—whether it was bike or motorcycle riding, mountain climbing, or enjoying a cold beer; Ramiro was always there for his children and grandchildren. In 1984, Ramiro was named “Athlete of the Year,” and he wore the title through his last days. A skilled outdoorsman, Ramiro strove for excellence in all things, and usually found it.  Ramiro was a runner, physically and mentally. In a piece he wrote over 30 years ago, he reflected on the running life and the necessity of what he called a “dying responsibility” of embracing a full and complete life. “Most, like me,” he said, “spend our working time essentially in service to others—the public, the taxpayer, students, whomever. As a runner, I am responsible to myself. We runners put incentive and satisfaction into our lives without the elements of violence, power, manipulation of others, or harmful aggressiveness.” Ramiro lived a remarkable life of the mind and the soul. Always ready and willing to lend a hand to a former student or one of his grandchildren, Ramiro will remain a steward of the community he loved. A gentle soul and active member of the church, he cherished St. Patrick’s Parish and was also involved in Kiwanis International, Crime Stoppers, and the local bowling club. A patient man to the very end, Ramiro confidently handled defeat, competing, at the last, against the cancer that inflicted his body, but never his spirit. Following his bliss always, he encourages us all to do the same. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Minerva Cantu Barrera, and by his children Ramiro (Adriana) Barrera III, Cordelia (Julie Ann) Barrera, Raul Barrera, and René (Julie) Barrera. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kristian Barrera, Daniella Barrera, Rebecca Barrera, Bianca Barrera, and Isaac Barrera as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A rosary will be recited on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 27th at 9:30 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to St. Patrick Catholic Church. A mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rolando “Chino” Cruz, Beto Garza-Gongora, Roberto Gonzales, Robert Gutierez, and Raul Perales. Honorary pallbearers will be Ramiro Barrera III, Raul Barrera, René Barrera, Lázaro Garza-Gongora, and George Garcia. Ushers will be Jesse Jacaman and Tim Shipton. A scholarship fund in Coach Barrera’s name will be established at the Laredo Community College c/o Millie Slaughter, West End Washington Street, Laredo, TX 78040; 956-721-5812. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral services professionals at Hillside Funeral Home, 310 W Hillside Road, Laredo, TX, 78041. 956.724.6060.