Ramseyer, Pattricia Ann

Patricia Ann Ramseyer Oct. 24,1934 - Jan. 4, 2010 Pat Ramseyer, a 
legend among her generation, died January 4 from respiratory 
illness. She was 75 years young. She was best known for her 
famous "Wildside West" saloon which continues to reflect her 
artistic wit and creative genius even as she is gone. Pat was born in 
Oregon but ventured South to the Bay area in the 1960's. With 
Nancy White, her partner who died about a year ago, she opened 
the the "Baccahnal" in Oakland. Later they moved to the Barbary 
Coast on Broadway in North Beach, naming their pub "The Wildside 
West". In the mid 70's they purchased the building at 424/426 
Cortland Avenue in Bernal Heights, and moved the Wildside West 
to that location. Pat, an artist, who occupied the upstairs flat; 
developed, designed, and decorated the bar, decks, garden, etc. 
with an eclectic collection of art and her unique style. Pat enjoyed 
46 years of business catering to the world at large. The Wildside 
was a local's pub where old friends greet and new friends meet. 
Known for its open door policy and its lesbian ownership, The 
Wildside was also a home to the gay community. Pat and Nancy 
sponsored gay softball and pool leagues, took part in Bernal 
Heights celebrations and had award winning floats in the San 
Francisco Gay Pride parades. Pat was a member of the Cortland 
Merchants Association for many years. Pat was also a musician and 
performed with Bebe L'Roach, a woman's electric band in Berkeley 
in the 70's. Never was music played at the Wildside West that Pat, 
in her home upstairs, down at the bar, or in the garden, wasn't 
playing her own percussion! A force to be reckoned with, Pat had 
many friends of many ages. Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin frequented 
her Broadway location. She leaves behind a saddened community 
of friends, neighbors, gays, straights, artists, and tourists. She leaves 
her legacy with Billie Hayes, her longtime friend and caregiver, 
who intends to honor Pat in the continuance of her quirky and 
charming establishment, which thrives in its liberal accepting 
atmosphere, a haven for all!!!!. A Memorial in her honor will be 
held Sunday, January 31, from 2-5 p.m- at the Wildside West, 424 
Cortland Avenue, in Bernal Heights, San Francisco. 

Published in San Francisco Chronicle from January 23 to January 
25, 2010