Ramon Ray Roldan

Ramon Adolph Roldan (Ray) is being nominated to your committee for selection to the CF&I Hall of Fame for his loyalty and dedication to the CF&I and his 33 years of employment at the Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation in Pueblo, Colorado.

In 1951, Ray decided to apply for employment at the CF&I. Being turned down for employment several times due to his thin stature, he was determined to better his life by continuing to pursue the application.  Each day he continued to go to the employment office. Finally, after his determination to seek employment was accepted, he was assigned to the Bolt and Ball Mill. 

His father, Jesse Roldan, uncles and cousins had been employed and assigned to the Open Hearth in previous years. Hard labor was not a stranger to his family. Two years later, he enlisted and was accepted into the United States Army and served in the Korean conflict. Upon end of the tour, he returned to CF&I for employment. Again, he was assigned to the Bolt and Ball Mill. He always showed pride in his work at the Mill and made note of the quality of products he was responsible for during his employment. When young men in his department were laid off, he encouraged them to pursue other avenues of employment. Once a former employee called him from California to thank him for encouraging him to keep on pursuing his dreams.

Because of CF&I, Ray was able to financially see three children and his wife, Mary Ann, graduate from college. He is currently assisting his granddaughter complete her teaching degree. He also attended two years of college at Pueblo Community College when his work schedule allowed. He learned to fix television sets to supplement his wife’s education.

During his retirement, he continues to keep informed regarding his beloved community. Each time he notes the poverty and decline of unemployment in Pueblo, he repeatedly remarks that it was because of the CF&I that the community has achieved prosperity. He has never forgotten what his employment has meant to him and his family and friends.         

Submitted by Dr. Mary Ann Roldan