The Town of Mountainair announced Larry Gustin is the first inductee into the 2025 Mountainair Hall of Excellence on Jan. 7.
Larry Gustin, a lifelong resident of Torrance County and owner of Gustin Hardware in both Mountainair and Estancia, will be honored posthumously along with seven other individuals at a March 29 ceremony.
Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said Gustin, who died in 2023, left a lasting impact on the community.
“We look forward to honoring his legacy,” Nieto said. “Larry’s family has been informed of the recognition and are delighted by the honor.”
According to Gustin’s family, Gustin worked for Mountain Bell telephone company until purchasing Gustin Hardware in 1980. He was active in the Mountainair community in many ways. Gustin coached the elementary basketball teams and was a referee for many years. He was on the Mountainair Town Council and the Torrance County Fair Board. Along with the Hardware business, he ran Larry’s Welding and was a joint owner of an auctioneer service. Larry was also a volunteer auctioneer for the local 4-H club pie auctions. He and his wife Patsy raised their two children, Mike and Melissa, in Mountainair.
In 2023, Mountainair inducted 13 individuals into its Hall of Excellence: Jose “Big Joe” Lueras, Orvel “Bud” Watts, Gordon McMath, Joe J. Brazil, Clem “Pop” Shaffer, Dr. Robert J. Saul, Dorothy Cole, Filbert Archuleta, Delbert Redfearn, Victoriano “Vick” Carrillo, Roy Spencer, Stephen A. Sandlin and Henry Edwards.
“These 13 individuals were the inaugural inductees, and we take great pride in continuing the tradition of honoring those who have made a lasting impact as we look forward to future inductions,” Nieto said. “We are excited to continue honoring those who have made a lasting impact on our community — whether through acts of kindness, dedicated service or significant contributions to the betterment of Mountainair. Their legacies will forever be a part of the fabric of our town.”
To be considered for the Mountainair Hall of Excellence, the following criteria must be met:
- The individual must have passed on and must have lived in or made a meaningful contribution to the Town of Mountainair during their lifetime. The contribution does not need to be monumental; it can be as simple as being a kind, compassionate person who selflessly gave to others, always willing to lend a helping hand or share what they had.
- They may have played an active role in the community—whether through civic involvement, volunteer work, or supporting local initiatives. Their legacy could include impacting the lives of others through education, business, or cultural contributions. The person could have been a quiet leader who inspired others through their actions or someone who brought joy and positivity to those around them.
The Mountainair Hall of Excellence honors individuals who have enriched the fabric of the community, regardless of the scale of their actions, and whose lives reflect the values of kindness, service and dedication to the well-being of the town and its residents. The town intends for this to become an annual event.
To recommend someone for induction, please go to: bit.ly/hallofexcellence
The final selections will be made by a committee of at least three members, though the committee may include more. The committee will be established and will begin its deliberations in the coming weeks.
The Hall of Excellence celebration in March will also feature the crowning of the new Pinto Bean Queen for Mountainair, followed by a dance to conclude the evening. Details for these additions are still being finalized but will be announced in the coming weeks.