Since he was young, Alex always strived to be the best in all aspects of his life whether it was in his family life, in academics, in his professional career, in athletics, and in his friendships. As a loving and cherished son, brother, uncle, and cousin, Alex always strived to and succeeded in making his family proud and upholding the honor of his family.
His intelligence and drive in academics ensured that he was always a recognized honor student since grade school. Alex placed a high value on education and always spoke fondly of how he wanted to have his nieces attend the best schools. Professionally, Alex was exceptionally ambitious, working for Strategic Asset Alliance as a Financial Analyst before joining JPMorgan Chase as a Investment Performance Analyst in the Asset Management department. His limitless ambition led him to apply his intelligence and determination to working towards becoming a CFA charterholder. His academic prowess was coupled with intense athletic interest and ability, especially in basketball. The combination of his love of sports and desire to help others motivated him to coach a youth basketball team. He took great pride in not only coaching ‘his kids’ but in also sharing life lessons that they will no doubt carry in their hearts throughout their lives. Few people can compare to Alex when it comes to making friends. Wherever he went, he was always able to bring a smile to the faces of the people he met and put them at ease with his charm and unforgettable sense of humor.
Bellingham, Las Vegas, and pretty much any other place that I have spent time with Alex was a good time. I met Alex in college in 2002 and grew closer to him every year thereafter. When I learned that he liked country music, and that he couldn't stand Kobe Bryant, and that he loved the Huskies, I began to question whether we should be friends (jk), and then he introduced me to a Filipino boxer, Manny Pacquiao.
After our first Vegas trip where Manny battled Erik Morales in the rematch, I truly got to know Alex. We went to many other fights in Vegas throughout Pacquiao's career. I learned that Alex could be the guy to kick back and have a good time, and then suddenly, he could flip a switch and become the professional businessman, doing whatever it took in order to "get it done." For example, we were walking around Vegas one night, wondering what we would be doing for the evening. Alex spotted someone from Manny Pacquiao's camp, told us to sit tight, as he walked over to chat with the Team Pacquiao crew. Now I don't remember all of the details from point A to point B, but we went from casually sipping beers on the casino floor, to Manny Pacquiao's suite at Mandalay Bay, just hanging out with the Pacquiao Camp. Alex would list off all of the Filipino celebrities that were in attendance, and I would just smile and nod my head to everone as if I acknowledged their status. From the suite, we made our way over to Club Asia, carpooling with the camp and sitting in V.I.P. with the man himself. I have been to Vegas more times than I can remember, but this was hands down, the best time I have had in that city. Without Alex, this night would have never happened, and that's the kind of guy he was.
Between Vegas trips, there was college. Now I could go on and on about partying, but I think we all know what that entailed, great times, every time. If I wasn't partying with Alex, I was definatley picking his brain, as he was conveniently studying finance & economics as his major, and also, conveniently, he had taken most of the upper level finance courses a quarter or two ahead of me. Alex helped me with the financial analysis of Red Hook, and by helped, I mean he also analyzed Red Hook just a year before me. Alex helped me write my first resume as well.
Why Alex had to pass at such an early age, and at a time where he was finally about to receive the rewards and recognition from all his hard work, is such a tragedy. To Alex's family, I feel for you all the most as I know that you meant everything to Alex. If there is anything that you would like to know about the great times I was blessed to have with Alex, please do not hesitate to let me know.
In memory of Alex Ramos, Best wishes,
Roland Manangan
