by Kerstan Szczepanski
Ronald “Buddy” Lucero
August 14, 1979 – May 20, 2024
Condit Exhibits lost a beloved employee, Ronald “Buddy” Lucero, Jr when he passed away at his home in Thornton, Colorado, May 20th, 2024. The Santa Monica native’s family moved to Denver in the 90s where Lucero eventually met his wife, Rosalynda in 1996. A year later Lucero would begin working for Condit Exhibits as a Field Supervisor where he worked for 10 years until he joined PG Exhibits. After 16 years at PG, Lucero returned to Condit in 2023 as Director of Field Services.
Mike McGowan, CEO of Condit says, “Our hearts are broken by this loss. Buddy was an icon in the I&D world and had many friends in exhibit halls across the country. His passing is one that will deeply affect all of us who knew him. The Lucero family is a huge part of the Condit family, and we intend to support them however we can as they navigate this tragedy.”
Known for his outgoing nature as well as his professionalism, the tradeshow world commented on his loss. “Buddy was the big man with the big smile, a smile that exuded competence and generosity,” says Ned Mackey, Senior Account Executive at Condit. “He was an expert at solving problems and forging relationships. He genuinely cared for the members of our community, and he was a champion for his clients at show site.”
Jeff Cleaver, City Manager at Nth Degree, agrees. “Even if you didn’t work directly with Buddy, you knew who he was!”
For Condit, the void left by Lucero’s passing is not just work related. “Upon hearing the tragic news of Buddy’s passing, I immediately called Keita Usuda,” says Laura Braafladt, Senior Account Executive at Condit. “We sat in silence for a while. Keita and I have worked together at Condit since 1994, and Buddy also started in the mid-90s. That ‘little guy’ has been like a little brother. Buddy was ALWAYS quick to laugh, listen, and lend a hand. I got to spend real time with Buddy this past March when he came to my 60th birthday party along with the rest of the Condit team. Buddy, I miss you, my sweet, dear friend – we all do.”
“Buddy had a larger than life personality,” says Condit Senior Account Executive Jeff Thomas, summing up what made Lucero so beloved. “Although his large stature and rough exterior (plus the silver and black apparel) was a bit intimidating, once you got to know him, he was just a big old teddy bear. He had more friends on the show floor than anyone I have ever known, and a tireless work ethic. I have so many stories about Buddy over the years, but most of them revolve around him just being a great, great person; always willing to help out, and truly caring about everyone around him, and especially his kids. We will really, really miss Buddy, and we will never forget him. Everyone loved Buddy!”
Ronald “Buddy” Lucero, Jr is survived by his wife, Rosalynda Lucero; three children, Ronnie III (Taylor) Lucero, Isaac, Sophia; his grandchild, Sicilia; his three sisters, Ronn-Terra, Terriah “T” (Humberto), and Sherriah; sister-in-law, Desiree Rodarte; parents, Ronald Sr and Theresa; mother-in-law, Valere Rodarte (Richard); and grandmother, Connie. His son, Isaac, works part-time at the Condit warehouse in Denver as he completes his engineering degree at MSU. Terriah works as an account manager at Condit’s Denver location.
