Meet Volunteer Edmond Kibel!
“I am Edmond Kibel: former devoted non-wearer of costumes, history lover, learning enthusiast, retirement resistor, general nomad and complete fan of El Rancho de las Golondrinas!
I was born in Israel before it became a state. I served in the Israeli Air Force and fought in the 6 Day War in 1967. I knew at age 9 that I wanted to be an Aerospace Engineer. I arrived in the United States 50 years ago with my Honorable Discharge in hand and deposited myself on the door step of a cousin I had never met in Cleveland, Ohio. I’ve been blessed in the cousin category. They helped me enroll at Ohio State University and welcomed me into their hearts while I earned my Aeronautical Engineering degree. I am forever grateful to both sets of my parents.
My identity was all wrapped up in my career as an Aerospace Engineer. My work focused on the design of helicopters, satellites, and the space station. It was all very rewarding and might explain why I felt so lost for a while after retiring. How does one find a new passion after such a satisfying career?
The answer came to me through Ron Goodman and Jerry Lieberman, long time Rancho volunteers. I went to the first training session swearing I would never wear a costume. I returned home that day with button up jeans and two shirts. I suppose you could say the rest is history.
History has been high on my favorites list all my life. El Rancho de las Golondrinas has opened new doors for me. Hispanic history and culture of New Mexico drew me in as I began learning about it. I have learned much about the Morada and Penitente brotherhood and discovered the ‘engineering’ of large water mills.
Casa San Ysidro in Corrales is another venue I enjoy. Volunteering there has been great fun.
The nomadic me has been very satisfied wandering the United States and Canada in our Airstream trailer with my wife, Susan, seeking out National Parks, museums, historic sights, friends and family and now water powered grist mills. There’s always something new to learn.
I enjoy talking with visitors, young and old, about their experiences at El Rancho de las Golondrinas.
Stated in one simple sentence: I love the place. Stroll the property. I bet you will find something new to explore every time you do.”