Biography
Richard Leroy Rasmdell, 80, of Charleston, died Saturday, October 10,
2009.
Mr. Ramsdell was born on August 12, 1929, in Portland, Oregon,
the only child of the late Clarence Leroy Ramsdell and Wanda Mae Dixon
Ramsdell. A Korean War veteran, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve
and was honorably discharged in 1951. He graduated from the University of
Oregon in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education, and
accepted an officer commission in the Air Force Reserve. He was honorably
discharged from the Air Force Reserve in 1961.
Mr. Ramsdell devoted
his adult life to music education and retired from the Arlington County
Virginia public school system in 1984 after 25 years of service having
taught music and jazz band at George Mason and Yorktown High Schools. In
addition to award winning high school bands that he directed, he
established the school system's first jazz band. His love of jazz was
transferred to scores of students who participated in the concert and jazz
ensenbles.
In 1988, Mr. Ramsdell and his wife, Carmita, returned to
Charleston where they first met. For many years, Mr. Ramsdell gave private
piano lessons in the Charleston area, and was active in local and national
community music associations. He served with the Mt. Pleasant Recreation
Department as a music coordinator for nearly ten years.
Mr. Ramsdell
was preceded in death by his wife, Carmita Schill Ramsdell. He is survived
by his sister in law, Anna Bell Schill Smith, of Charleston.
The
relatives and friends of Richard L. Ramsdell are invited to attend his
Funeral Service at 10:00 A.M., Monday, October 12, 2009, at the JAMES A.
MCALISTER CHAPEL, 1620 Savannah Highway, Burial will follow at St.
Lawrence Cemetery.
Facts
Born: August 12, 1929
Death: October 10, 2009
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