Vic Ramey, our mentor, friend and colleague passed away Thursday, November 24. His creative energy and passion for learning will remain an inspiration to us all. He will indeed be missed.

Victor Alan Ramey was born on June 21, 1948 in Henderson, North Carolina. He moved to Florida at the age of three and spent his youth in Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne, graduating from Melbourne High School in 1966.

Vic earned his bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Florida in 1974 and Master of Science Degree in Extension Education in 1988.

His accomplishments and life experiences are as diverse and complex as the man himself. At one time, he was a teacher for schizophrenic children, a glasscutter, a jail officer and supervisor, real estate agent and broker, editorial assistant, information specialist and research editor.

For the last 25+ years, Vic found his true calling as Education Coordinator for the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. During his long tenure here, he produced innumerable projects including a series of educational videos about aquatic and invasive plants; careers in the aquatic sciences; posters; photomurals; plant identification decks and recognition guides; a collection of Florida botanical line drawings, and extensive websites. He was also the creator of the world's most comprehensive bibliographic database about aquatic and invasive plants...and so much more.

Vic always was looking for new ways to further scientific knowledge and celebrate the natural world around him. His latest project, the Florida Invasive Education Initiative, recently was launched to bring hands-on lessons about plants and plant management issues to youth, their parents and teachers via the classroom and the Florida state park system.

Vic's passion for education and demand for excellence never wavered and his loss will be felt here, throughout the state and far beyond.

Note: If you would like to share any words or memories about Vic, feel free to send them via e-mail to CAIP-WEBSITE@ufl.edu and we will add them to our comments web page. Click here to view comments from friends and colleagues. Click here to see photographs from the Vic Tribute Walk.