Ramiro "Elizar" Alvarado Dominguez

A Life of Hard Work, Loyalty, and Love

Our beloved friend and brother, Ramiro Alvarado Dominguez, known to all who loved him as Elizar, tragically passed away in a car accident early Monday morning, October 20, 2025, on Cavedale Road in Glen Ellen, California. He was 79 years old.

Born on August 25, 1946, in Madero, Michoacán, Mexico, Elizar grew up on a farm as one of ten children. From a young age, he understood the meaning of hard work and responsibility. He began driving truck at a very early age, spending long days and nights hauling avocados to help support his family — a testament to his strength, determination, and selflessness.

In his early twenties, Elizar immigrated to California, where he worked for the late Robert “Mancher” Pardini of Pardini Logging in Boonville, California, for nearly 15 years. It was during this time that he met Steve Ledson, beginning not only employment with Ledson Development and Ledson Winery but also a true friendship and that would span nearly four decades.

A Man of Extraordinary Character

Elizar never earned a diploma — his education came from life itself. It came from the sweat of his brow, the strength of his hands, and the goodness of his heart. He believed that “work is work” — and no job was ever too hard, too dirty, or beneath him.

He could fix anything: tractors, machinery, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work — you name it. Even in his late seventies, no one could outwork him. He gave everything he had, every single day, and never once complained.

Those who worked beside him knew: his work ethic was unmatched. He didn’t just show up — he lifted the spirits of everyone around him.

Even after a full week of labor, Elizar would spend his weekends working from dawn to dusk on the Ledson family ranch. And when the day was done, he insisted on cooking — his legendary Mexican barbeques, cooked on a small gas stove beside a stream, were unforgettable.

Many evenings at the ranch ended with a bottle of wine or a few sips of whiskey, great jokes, and better stories. Without fail, Elizar would close the night with a heartfelt, “I love you, Steve,” always full of appreciation.

Family, Friendship, Loyalty, and Legacy

Elizar’s loyalty extended far beyond his work. He was deeply devoted to Steve and the entire Ledson family. Long after many of them had passed, their photographs still hung on Elizar’s kitchen wall — a daily tribute to the people he loved and never forgot. That was who Elizar was — a man whose loyalty never faded, whose respect never wavered.

He cherished his own family just as deeply. He loved family gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and food. His presence made those moments feel whole.

Over the decades, hundreds of people worked with or around Elizar — and not one ever spoke an unkind word about him. Every story, every memory shared, is filled with admiration and respect.

He lived by his simple but powerful motto: “No problems, only solutions.”
And he truly lived it — every single day.

Forever Remembered

Elizar was more than a friend — he was family. His loyalty, humility, kindness, and laughter will echo in the hearts of all who knew him. He gave more than he ever took. He loved deeply and without condition.

There will never be another Elizar.

His smile, his cooking, his laughter, and his love will live on in all of us who had the blessing of knowing him.

Rest in peace, dear Elizar.
You will always be loved, and never forgotten.

“I love you, Elizar.”

Survivors or Survived Family

Elizar is survived by his wife Maria Alvarado, loving children Sonia Alvarado, Isreal Alvarado, Perla Alvarado, Johnathon Alvarado, David Alvarado, and Joshua Alvarado. Grandchildren, - Flor Zárate-Alvarado, Joseph Alvarado, Guadalupe Alvarado- Ceja, Angel Daniel Alvarado, Lissette Arianna Alvarado, Neftalí Alvarado, Jaden Alvarado, Azul Alvarado, Christopher Alvarado, Matsumin Alvarado, Junior Alvarado, Elijah Alvarado and four great-grandchildren.

Service Information

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11:00 am in Sonoma at Duggan’s Mission Chapel.

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