Staff Report
Ramon Kent Lopez passed away of natural causes (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) in Fallon, Nevada, on October 16, 2024, at 66 years of age. He was born the youngest of four siblings in Elko, Nevada, on June 2, 1958, to Delphina (Goicoechea) Lopez and her husband, Romano.
He was proud of his Spanish and Basque heritage, loved growing up in northeastern Nevada with daily views of the Ruby Mountains, and recounted often and fondly memories of what made his childhood and adolescent years so special — not the least of which was the priceless network of friendships he cultivated and happily clung to.
He was a social animal from the get-go. He liked being around others — in school, at catechism, family gatherings, on sports teams, while Basque dancing at the annual festival, and lifeguarding at the city pool. He was elected Elko High School’s student body president and named as a Nevada Boys’ State delegate his junior year, then selected as the EHS “Outstanding Male Student” as a senior in 1976.
Following graduation from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1981 with a degree in business administration, Ramon put his training to good use first in Elko, then Reno, with jobs ranging from insurance agent, stockbroker, and convention center/visitors’ authority sales manager, to retail sales, to 15 years in the gaming industry.
There are inescapable universal experiences in one’s life that define the essence of the human condition, both positive and negative. As Ramon navigated his way over and through some of the speed bumps and roadblocks associated with love, loss, sadness, and a search for meaning, he found guidance, support, and solace from such invaluable programs as New Frontier and The Lighthouse, as well as years of weekly AA meetings and generous sponsorships here in Fallon. His love of distance running started early, becoming a very healthy positive addiction through time, and even when some physical limitations shortened his stride, he continued moving as best he could around town and the surrounding countryside. More than a pastime, it was a godsend.
Ramon never married. He is survived by his three siblings: Elaine Starr (Jim), Gary Lopez (Linda), and Vera Ascasibar (Darby Long); nephews Adam and Chris Starr, Dan, Patrick, and Nick Lopez, and Steven Acker; nieces Juliette and Nicole Ascasibar, and Jennifer Acker. Additionally, Ramon left behind several grandnieces and grandnephews, and a cool bunch of cousins.
His cremains will be buried in the family plot in the Elko City Cemetery following a celebration of life and memorial service at Burns Funeral Home chapel at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. A lunch gathering will be held at the Elko Basque Clubhouse immediately following the committal ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, you may want to consider a donation to a favorite charity.
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