Governor McCrory Mourns the Death of Hispanic Civic Leader | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    Raleigh, NC     Governor Pat McCrory released the following statement upon learning of the death of former commissioner Dan Ramirez, the first Hispanic elected to public office in Mecklenburg County.

    "North Carolina has lost a historic figure and I have lost a cherished friend," said Governor McCrory. "Dan's numerous contributions to the community were more than a civic duty, they were expressions of his gratitude to the country, state and people he loved. Ann and I have his family in our prayers."

    Ramirez came to the United States in 1970 with his wife Cecilia "Cecy" from Bogota, Colombia. His degree in civil engineering from University Grancolombia led to a job in Fort Worth, Texas. Later, he moved to Charlotte and in 1978 founded Nova Digital Systems, a geographical information systems company.

    In 2002, he became the first Hispanic elected in Mecklenburg County and served as vice chairman of the county commission. Voters returned Ramirez to the commission in 2006.

    Ramirez was married to Cecy for more than 40 years. He was the father of three daughters and a proud grandfather.

    In August, Governor McCrory honored Ramirez with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the state's most prestigious awards.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
       govpress@nc.gov