In Loving Memory of Don Louis Ortiz

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved grandfather, Don Louis Ortiz, 81, who passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Known for his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering love, he touched the lives of all who knew him. As one of his grandsons, I am privileged to share a glimpse into the life of a remarkable man whose memory will forever be cherished.

He was born September 28, 1942, in Colmor, New Mexico to Amalio and Celina Perea Ortiz, the ninth of eleven children. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Viola Carr, Mary Harvie, Stella Cordova, and Dora Duran, and brothers Ben, Eloy, and Ted Ortiz.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judith (Judy) Ortiz; sister Margaret Coughenour, and brother Paul Ortiz of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Survived by his children, Mikal Ann (husband Howard Diaz of Albuquerque, New Mexico), Daniel (wife Cecelia of Tucson, Arizona), and James (wife Emily of Chandler, Arizona). And grandchildren, Alexandra Kawola, Samantha Diaz, Magdalena Aguilar-Ortiz, Xavier Ortiz, and Zion Ortiz. Also survived by his numerous nieces and nephews.

Don graduated from Raton High School in 1960. As a young boy, he and his brother Ted sold newspapers in Raton to both passengers and soldiers at the train station. While in high school, he worked for a US Mail contractor driving the mail truck to Pueblo, Colorado, and on weekends drove the mail truck to Taos, sometimes picking up someone along the Taos Canyon who needed a ride. Both he and his brother Ted spent summers working on their brothers-in-law’s farms, Glen Harvie and Dale Mitchek, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, enjoying time with their sisters Vi and Mary, nieces, and nephews.

Don worked in construction, doing carpentry work for various companies. Later he went to work for White Store in Albuquerque, where he quickly rose to assistant manager within two years. He was then transferred to Lakewood, Colorado, and soon promoted to store manager in Loveland and Thornton, Colorado. After six years in Colorado, Don relocated his family to Raton.

In Raton, he worked for his brother-in-law’s White’s Auto franchise store, then worked at York Canyon coal mine for Kaiser Steel and PNM Mining Co., working underground until eventually making a transition doing reclamation work outside. He took pleasure in operating the bulldozer.

He was a participant in the mine rescue team and enjoyed competing with other miners’ teams. During the layoffs, he balanced work between both the New Mexico Highway projects and local cement work within Raton. During a long layoff, Don took up a role at the Raton Fire Department, where he became an EMT. He found enjoyment and satisfaction in caring for the patients he served while transporting them to either Pueblo or Albuquerque.

Eventually, when the PNM mine ceased operations, Don retired, despite not feeling fully prepared to leave the workforce. He took up a job as a janitor at Raton Catholic School. Despite being paid, he would often return his paycheck to the school to cover a child’s tuition. He cherished being around the children in the after school program; who playfully chased him and would jump on his mop, allowing him to haul them around.

Even after the school closed, he remained active, continuing to work for the church by cleaning the school for Team Builders. He also worked for Stephan Crawford, the New Mexico State inspector from Los Lunas, doing mobile home foundation inspections all over northeast New Mexico. While also working again for a US postal contractor, he delivered mail in rural areas and the Chico Route.

Don cherished spending time with family and friends, consistently prioritizing his family. He exemplified his love as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, showing a generous spirit and unwavering work ethic. He led by example, demonstrating the value of hard work and always striving to do his best.

My grandfather and grandmother took pleasure in brewing beer and making chokecherry wine together, sharing these creations with loved ones and crafting wine with friends. He also found pleasure in watching Notre Dame football, often grumbling about the lack of names on their jerseys, which made it necessary for him to consult the roster until he could identify the players. Moreover, he possessed a profound passion for reading, immersing himself in books with unwavering enthusiasm. Don was a member of St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be held on Friday, March 15th, 2024 at 11:00 AM recited by The Legion of Mary followed by the Mass of Christian Burial  at 11:30 AM with Fr. Bill Woytavich as the Celebrant.  Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Following the services, a luncheon reception will be held at the Elks Club. Food may be delivered to the Elks Club beginning at 10:00 AM; through use of the alley entrance.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 105 Buena Vista St. Raton, New Mexico 87740.

Arrangements for Don Louis Ortiz are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.