(Richard Vigil graduated RHS Class of 1961)

Richard L. Vigil  (October 19, 1943  -  January 1, 2024

Richard L. Vigil was born October 19, 1943, in Carlsbad, NM to Adan Porras Vigil and Eugenia Leos Vigil. He passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, on January 1, 2024. At the age of 3, his family moved to Roswell, NM where he lived out the remainder of his life with his family. His first language was Spanish and he learned English from new friends living next door to him as a child.

As a young man, with his friends, he played the guitar in the local famous band “The Blue Notes”. His love for music stayed with him for the rest of his life as he played guitar at family events or while being in the mountains with family. He always had a guitar with him. His father was a photographer, which may have been why Richard also enjoyed a love for photography. With his photos, he captured his life with family and friends for future generations to see. Through his love of music, he recorded his voice throughout his life so that generations of his family could listen to him from his early 20’s all the way up to his late 70’s.

Richard began a printing business in 1976 named Pioneer Printing, Inc. Here, he provided printing services for over 40 years to all of New Mexico and Texas. He printed books for local historians such as “The Treasures of History” and other novels for many other authors. He even printed a magazine publication that was distributed out of Dallas, TX that circulated worldwide each month. After hours, the place was also known among close friends as Pioneer Pub and No Grill. Richard was also an active member of the local community where he worked to help other minorities and small businesses in Roswell. With his friends, he was a founding member of the Hispano Chamber of Commerce. After his retirement, he spent more time at home with family and friends. He loved music, golf and dominos.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Linda Marie Vigil. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Viola Ann Vigil, son Omar Lee Vigil, son Richard L. Vigil, II and wife Heather C. Vigil, daughter Suzie Sosa, and daughter Barbara Renee Sheffield. He is survived by his Grandchildren Omar Lee Vigil Jr., Renatta Fear, Genoveva DeeAnn Vigil, Richard L. Vigil, III, Alessandro Martin Vigil, Erica Saenz, Robert Paz, Lawrence Tolentino, Xavier Marquez and Alethea Marquez, and many great grandchildren along with many nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his aunt Lola Leos Sanchez (of Visalia, CA), brothers Jerry Vigil and wife Janine Vigil (of Dallas, TX), and Dennis Vigil.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10AM at St. Peter Church to honor and remember Richard’s life. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects.

Richard L. Vigil will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. His memory will be cherished forever.

https://www.rdrnews.com/obituaries/richard-l-vigil/article_7b95c62e-af32-11ee-a144-7f03ec6d71f6.html