Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Friends said Ron Wilmot will be remembered for a big heart and boundless optimism.
TUCUMCARI - Friends called him a "champion of the people" and his death a "devastating loss."
Ron Wilmot, a former journalist, convention center manager and longtime staffer for U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, died Nov. 18 at Trigg Memorial Hospital in Tucumcari.
He was 68.
"I am grieving with his family, friends and the Quay community ... over the loss of a dedicated public servant who brought care and attention to the people of New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District," said Lujan, D-New Mexico.
"Ron was an original member of my team and epitomized what a congressional case manager can achieve by bringing a big heart, boundless optimism, and a belief in service to the job."
Wilmot was publisher of the Tucumcari newspaper and manager of the Tucumcari Convention Center before he went to work for Lujan in 2009.
"Unquestionably, Ron made a significant difference in the lives of many through his public service and tenure as publisher and president of the Quay County Sun," Lujan said.
"His passing is a devastating loss for New Mexico. We will miss Ron, but will never forget him or his boundless kindness."
Tucumcari Mayor Ruth Ann Litchfield also praised Wilmot for his kindness.
Martin Encinias, who said he had known Wilmot for 10 years, described him as "caring, kind and considerate."
"That's the reason he got in the business he did," Encinias said.
Ray Mondragon, former city manager in Clovis who works now for the Eastern Plains Council of Governments, praised Wilmot for his ability to help others.
Mondragon said Wilmot was good at cutting through red tape that kept residents from getting veterans' benefits or Social Security payments.
"He was a champion for the people of Quay County," he said. "He never met a stranger at his office."
Wilmot was born Dec. 10, 1950, to Glenn and Betty Lorraine Wilmot in Galesburg, Ill. According to his obituary, he enjoyed woodworking, painting, drawing and making arts and crafts. He was a fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls and Detroit Red Wings.
