Ramon Valdez performs with members of The Library on Monday afternoon at The Chateau of Gardnerville. He died on Wednesday.
Tara Addeo
Two days before his June 18 death, 87-year-old blues harp player Ramon Valdez jammed for more than an hour with musicians at The Chateau of Gardnerville.
Members of The Library, a musical group from Markleeville, turned out to join Valdez in his last performance.
“This was the only request Ramon wanted before his next journey,” said Executive Director Katie Nichols. “This is the reason we do what we do every day, so residents like Ramon can fulfill their soul.”
Valdez lived at The Chateau for six months while he was undergoing dialysis, Marketing Director Jessica Maidlow said. “He decided to stop treatment and come home to be with his friends and family while he transitions.”
The former Bridgeport resident lived in a house he built as an engineer.
Daughters Teri Kelly and Nina JeckerByrne were at The Chateau for the performance.
East Fork firefighters transported Valdez from his upstairs room to the Aspen Dining Room where everyone gathered.
On Friday, musically inclined residents of The Chateau were scheduled to attend the first Concert in Minden Park.