Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

John Q. 'Black River John' Ramsay

IRONWOOD, Mich. — John Q. “Black River John” Ramsay, 62, of Black River Harbor, Ironwood Township, died Thursday evening, Jan. 14, 2016, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 22, 1953, in Elmhurst, Ill., son of the late Malcolm and Anna (Radtke) Ramsay, and graduated from York High School in Elmhurst in 1971. He played music around the Chicago area (piano, harmonica and vocals) prior to moving to Black River Harbor in May 1981, and was a professional musician in the area for many years.

John loved spending quality time in the outdoors. He was noted for street bicycle racing in the Chicago area and bike riding.

Surviving are a son, Maxwell, Ann Arbor; daughter, Maisie Ramsay, Poncha Springs, Colo .; former wife, Nancy, Minocqua, Wis .; three brothers, Wilson (Fardia), Bloomington, Ind., Cameron, Madison, Wis., and Rex, Hammond, Ind .; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Bret; and sister, Ann Ramsay.

Per John’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial gathering will take place at John’s residence outside in the summer.

Arrangements were with McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Online condolences may be expressed at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.