Mr. Richard Trinidad Arguijo

Richard Trinidad Kiki Arguijo, 79, passed away at his home in Whittier on Sunday, June 9, 2013. Born in Douglas, Arizona on June 11, 1933, Richard was born to Conrad and Lupe Arguijo.

As a young boy, Richard grew up in Douglas, Arizona attending Loretto Catholic School. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was only 13 years old. He graduated from St. Agnes High School in Los Angeles City before he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951. While in the military, he served in Hawaii and Korea.



Richard worked in the engineering department of Cal Techs Jet Propulsion Laboratory for 36 years and 1 day, this was so he could say he worked there for over 36 years. Following his retirement, he continued on with JPL as a member of their Speakers Bureau, presenting primarily for schools throughout the Southland, and as a volunteer at the annual JPL Open House Event that was held every year. Richard was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Whittier for 29 years. He treasured his affiliation and work with fellow Kiwanians. He received the Kiwanian of the Year award 6 times! Richard remained very active in his Whittier community as a volunteer at the Pio Pico State Historic Park, and was interviewed by Huell Howser when the park was featured on Californias Golden Parks.



Richard is survived by his children, Katherine (Chris) Arguijo-Flaiz, Karen (Pam Vonder) Arguijo, and Richard (Natasha) Arguijo, Jr.; grandchildren, Neil & Schuyler Flaiz, Molly & Gabriella Vonder, and Maddisen, Justice & Tyus Arguijo; and siblings Conrad Arguijo, Sylvia Bacca, Molly Ruiz, Bill Arguijo, and Ed Arguijo.



A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 9:30AM at St. Brunos Catholic Church, 15740 Citrustree Rd, Whittier. A Vigil Service will be held the night prior, Monday, June 24, 2013 at 6:30PM at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 Philadelphia St., Whittier. Interment will take place on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 3:00PM at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 2161 S. Fullerton Rd., Rowland Heights.