PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Southeast Texans are mourning the loss of a beloved community member.
Fernando Ramirez died Tuesday.
Ramirez wore many hats, but most importantly, he was a passionate voice for the Southeast Texas Hispanic community.
Those who knew him best say he was a community activist, businessman, mentor, photographer and teacher who left a lasting impact on many.
Ramirez started the non-profit "Immigrant Education Center" in 2016, devoted to helping people learn English and pass the U.S. citizenship exam.
"I want to be the voice and help our immigrants and we have a lot of immigrants here," Ramirez told 12News in 2016.
He would teach these classes at the Port Arthur Public Library and at the Immigration Education Center in Beaumont.
"As immigrants come to this country, they hold on to their beliefs and customs of their country because nobody takes time anymore to teach them to be Americans," he previously said.
Ramirez is described as having a larger than life presence who was not only the biggest advocate for the city of Port Arthur, but the people who reside in it.
Vice President of education and development- with the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Joe Tant says it was his friendly nature that so many loved.
"Fernando never met a stranger, everyone who met Fernando was instantly welcomed," he said.
It's his willingness to help that motivated Ramirez to dream up an idea for a program.
He started that free course for adults to learn English at the Port Arthur Library and even started the Hispanic Business Council within the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce.
"Longtime individual that was involved in very much everything they had to do," Tant said.
Even though many may have not met Ramirez, his legacy lives on.
"If everyone gave just a little bit of what Fernando gave, this city, this county, this country would be a great place to live," President of Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Pat Avery said.
These are thoughts that Ramirez's friends and co-workers echo.
"The city has lost a mentor, a family member, he cannot be replaced. A true shining light for the folks who knew him," Tant said.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.