ALVEREZ, Rev. Ramiro - After an enduring and courageous battle against cancer in which he faced with dignity and faith, while surrounded by the love of his family, our beloved Papá Ramiro, 90, was promoted to glory and peacefully entered the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on February 11, 2020, in Kingston, Ontario.
He was born in Morazán, El Salvador on November 11, 1929, son of late Genaro de Jesus Alvarez and Francisca Hernandez.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marta Pereira, and his 8 children: Dora Dennis (m. Pedro Ramos, c. Ron, Jenny), Ramiro Walter (m. Marta Mejia, c. Loida, Isaiah), Mirna Elizabeth (m. Jesse Barreto, c. Gary, Jeremy, Vanessa), Eli Adonias (c. Celina, Giovanni, Jesenia), Esly Reniery (m. Zara Garcia, c. Michael, Mercedes), Edith Quizé (m. Mauricio Hernandez, c. Oscar, Kevin, Jonathan), Cheril Noemi (m. Byron Vasquez, c. Amy, Ericka, Adrian), Flory Beth (c. Devon, Amelia), and 15 great-grandchildren.
Ramiro served in El Salvador Armed Forces beginning May 14, 1948, a strict and militant Sergeant Major, with proficient skill in tactical and artillery of its Infantry School of Arms and received the President Award which honored him as Best Officer in May 1958.
In celebration of receiving this prestigious award, he went to visit his father who had a church service welcoming his son home. It was in that service that Ramiro, in God’s grace and plan for his life, surrendered his heart to the Lord, answering the call to become a passionate and reverent servant of God. Ramiro marked May 20, 1958 as the day he came to Christ and would begin his lifelong relationship with God towards change, humility, love, and faithful service.
The impact that Jesus made in that event, prompted Ramiro to leave the Salvador Armed Forces even in lieu of a rising promotion and impressive record and rapport. Instead, he began his ministry in birthing churches and pastoring (including interim) while moving on to graduate from El Salvador Assemblies of God Bible Institute in 1974, earning his accreditation as a Reverend in the Assemblies of God and Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, of which he was a pastor for more than 20 years.
A recognized authority on biblical studies, as well as a keen advocate towards literacy and social justice, Ramiro was the founder of the ALFALIT Adult Education Agency branch, also opening a number of its operating schools, the branch first of its kind in El Salvador: a non-profit organization whose mission was to train those most vulnerable that experience illiteracy, poverty, and violence to become self-advocates, trainers, and teachers in literacy, experiential learning, and ways to live and thrive in self-sustaining communities.
While Ramiro started and pastored at least eight churches internationally including those in El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, USA, and Canada; he was also a prolific writer, editor, and program development activist, having written and edited articles such as From the Army to the Pulpit and translated the book, Doctrinas y Prácticas Fundamentales into its Canadian publication.
In addition to having been a dedicated, loving, and openly affectionate husband and father, Ramiro was a strong swimmer, an avid reader, an eager and informed diplomat regarding world issues, and a lover of history and politics. Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he passionately shared with those around him and enjoyed penning letters by hand or on his favourite typewriter, having mailed them out to his family and friends by post as an engaging form of pastoral care, spiritual edification, and active evangelism.
He was a lifelong pastor be it at the pulpit, at the dining table, or literally outside in the streets of his community—a great man of God, devoted husband, wise father, tender grandfather, and wistful patriarch of the Alvarez Clan whose generosity of self greatly impacted those who were privileged to know him. His patience, strength, and humility is the legacy he leaves behind out of his great love for Jesus, his family, and the experience of long suffering having survived the Salvadoran Civil War and gaining wisdom and faithful instruction from the Holy Word—a result of 90 years of love, learning, and grace.
So many have gained in knowing you and loving you, Papá, and it is difficult to navigate this time of loss. But, we cling to the Word of God—to the One you love to love—and rest in the promises of the Father, that one day we, too, will be brought to glory and be with you again. Rest in peace, Papá Ramiro. While we grieve the loss of your presence, we rejoice in the celebration of your life, and that you are finally in your eternal home with the Lord, the place you so longed, and hoped to reach throughout your days. You’re there! You’re finally there! And as you were always keen to remind us: “…to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
We love you.
Visitation will be held at the Brampton Funeral Home and Cemetery, Brampton on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 4-8 p.m. Memorial service will be held at Peel Pentecostal Tabernacle – 2005 Countryside Dr., Brampton on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 11 a.m. Burial to follow.
Donations in memory of Ramiro may be made to El Salvador Assemblies of God Missions Department.
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