DONALD J. ORTIZ
Donald J. Ortiz, a wonderful man with immeasurable charm, wit and intellect, passed away peacefully at his residence on December 13, 2021 as the sun was setting to the west of the beautiful adobe home he proudly built on a hill in Rio en Medio.
Don, 87, lived a fulfilling and complete life bringing smiles, laughter and warmth to all he knew. He was blessed with a personality and sense of humor that captivated those who knew him while possessing qualities of compassion and loyalty. The devoted son of former two-term Santa Fe Mayor Frank Ortiz and mother Lucy Castillo Ortiz, Don graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1953 and the University of New Mexico in 1958. After UNM, he worked for the late Sen. Dennis Chavez in Washington, D.C. then returned to Santa Fe in 1964 to raise his family and engage in a remarkably diverse and impressive professional career. His combination of being astute and personable led to success in business and state government as a stockbroker, bank president, director at the State Economic Development Department under former Governor Toney Anaya and also as owner of his renowned shop, Don Juan Gifts and Gallery, in Sena Plaza for over 25 years. He loved politics and was active in the Santa Fe Democratic Party attending several state and national democratic conventions while advising many state and local elected officials for decades. His passion for playing tennis saw him fiercely compete in many local and national USTA tournaments until he reached the age of 80. He still maintained he could beat all challengers up to the time of his death. Over his lifetime, he developed many meaningful and lasting relationships with people from all walks of life. Don, or “Mr. Ortiz” to some, was truly one of a kind.
Don had six children including daughters Carolyn Hall (Eric), Donna Maria (Sam), Patricia “June” Aragon (predeceased), Rachel Ortiz, and sons Dr. Don Ortiz (Stephanie) and Jonathan (fiancé Kristen Martinez). He also had 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Eva Parker (Chuck), Carmen Werner (Tom) and Angela Lopez (Alonzo).
He was predeceased by brother Frank Ortiz and sister Josephine Ortiz.
Don’s family and friends extend heartfelt appreciation to Jonathan and Kristen for the loving care they provided to Don over the last two years of his life in the warmth of his own home. Don brought love, friendship and joy to those he knew regardless of the circumstance.
In honor of Don, donations can be made in his name to First Serve New Mexico at www.firstservenewmexico.org.
The family will hold a service in the Spring of 2022 with details to be provided at a later date.