A stainless-steel memorial honoring Father Graham Golden created by machinist/fabricator Richard Ronquillo of Rich Welding, LLC. Courtesy photo.
Machinist/fabricator Richard Ronquillo of Rich Welding, LLC recently memorialized his old friend and former LANL co-worker Floyd Smith. Courtesy photo
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
LARSO
Community ties reach far and wide for Richard Ronquillo, a third-generation machinist/fabricator. He had worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory where he also welded, which turned into doing welding repairs for neighbors and friends. Now retired, he probably works even harder, especially when you add in the many ways he gives back to the community.
What is it about his work that he enjoys most? “Helping folks, utilizing skills learned, and always thinking,” said Ronquillo, who also works as a mentor to the next generation. “Several young people have come through my shop, and have gone to bigger and better things for which I am very proud.”
There are many people who are proud of Ronquillo, yet he is the one who consistently makes people smile. When pushed to answer questions about his grace and putting his heart in his work, the picture becomes crystal clear.
Ronquillo was honored to work on a commissioned piece to design and fabricate a stainless-steel memorial at the Veterans Memorial Park in Española. He recently memorialized his old friend and former LANL co-worker Floyd Smith. He has artistically fabricated memorials for families, when they have lost a loved one, or created family crests cut from steel.
One such passion-filled project was created after a tragic death in May 2021 and had a deeper meaning. Ronquillo memorialized Father Graham Golden who passed after a vehicle accident. Fr. Graham was just 35. When speaking of the project, Ronquillo said, “It really is beautiful. He Baptized my godson, and I was honored to be asked to do the memorial.”
Ronquillo has been blessed to have started Rich Welding, LLC, 15 years ago, creating fences, gates, security bars to protect windows for businesses and homes, fire pits and more. Ronquillo can be reached at 505.929.0763.
A metal gate created by machinist/fabricator Richard Ronquillo of Rich Welding, LLC. Courtesy photo
