CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Nick Adame, the President of the League of United Latin American Citizens, announced the death of a prominent figure in the organization.
Ramiro " Gambi" Gamboa died on Thursday night at the age of 74, LULAC officials shared with KRIS 6 News.
Adame took to Facebook to share Gambi's impact on the organization, and the community.
"Gambi was highly respected and admired for his dedication to defending civil rights and his love for his family and community," Adame said in the Facebook post. "I became a member of LULAC because of his inspiration and passion for defending civil rights. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew him, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.
Adame added it was important to "cherish the memories lessons" Gambi shared with the community.
"Our sincere condolences are extended to you for the loss of such an exceptional individual," Adame wrote. "I am certain that Mr. Gamboa will never be forgotten because of the profound impact he had on not only myself but also on the entire LULAC organization as well as the entire community. The Gamboa family is a testament to his profound influence on LULAC Council 1."
Gambi had been hospitalized for some time before he died, surrounded by his family. He was involved with LULAC since the 1970s — defending Hispanic Civil Rights and educating students on the importance of doing the same.
LULAC Council No. 1 Vice President Susie Saldana saw him as more than just a mentor.
"The things he has accomplished in life — I don't think anyone else could have done. Everybody knew him as Gambi. It was my privilege to call him my friend," Saldana said.
During his time with LULAC, Gamboa joined forces with city, state and national leaders to create social and economic change for hispanics. One of those fights was with Texas State Senator (R) of District 32 Todd Hunter for lower windstorm insurance rates.
"Gambi worked with me, got a little act involved and helped me to change the rates to make them fair for all the Coastal Bend and South Texas," Hunter said.
During the day Gambi worked alongside local doctors as an X-ray technician, but in his free time, he always worked for the community.
"Mr. Gamboa did a lot, but he never complained about always working and volunteering because labor was a love for him," Adame said.
Those who knew Gamboa said he set up a strong foundation for the future of LULAC and they hope younger generations will be inspired to continue his legacy.
"Corpus Christi, the state and the nation has lost a great leader. God's got a great organizer and he'll be organizing up there too," Saldana said.
KRIS 6 News shared Gambi's story as part of our Hispanic Heritage Month stories in 2022.
You can check out his story here.
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