Gilbert Ortiz

Gilbert (Gil) A. Ortiz, passed away late Friday, January 8th, 2021 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Gil was born in Terrero, New Mexico on June 8, 1934 to Juan Rivera Ortiz and Maria Isadora (Mary) Martinez. Terrero is a mining community just outside Pecos, New Mexico. He grew up in Pecos except for a year in Santa Fe, during high school. He went to college in Santa Fe and then taught at Pecos High School. He later moved to Grants, New Mexico to marry and work for Phillup's 66 in the accounting department. He was 86 years of age and a long-time resident of Santa Fe since 1963.

He was a real estate broker with his own company, investment property owner and manager, and land developer. He received a Bachelor's degree from the St. Michael's College of Santa Fe with emphasis in education and mathematics. He was quite the entrepreneur. It was said that when he was little he would trade puppies for rabbits and for anything else he could barter. During his lifetime he owned and ran the following businesses with his wife Helen: Casa Solana Gulf, St. Francis Gulf, Pepsi Cola Company (with brother Andy), Casa Solana Car Wash, Jodi's Fashions, and Personal Expressions and his real estate  - Gil Ortiz Real Estate Agency/Realty World - ECR/Enchanted City Realty (over the span of 40 years.) He also owned Villa De La Paz, a subdivision which he ran with his wife, four children and son-in-law and other agents.

He is survived by his children, Renee Edwards (Mark Edwards), Lisa Ortiz, "JR" Gilbert Ortiz (Sally Catano), Joe Ortiz (Beverly Chapman); his granddaughter, Margaux Ortiz; his step granddaughter, Kristi Gurule; step great grandson, Kai Joseph Gurule Johnson; and brother-in-law Ken Baugh.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen Griego Ortiz, brothers, Johnny (Dolores) Ortiz,      Andy (Georgia) Ortiz and sister, (Alfonso) Lucy Varela and sister-in-law Jodi Baugh.

Gil was an easy-going, gregarious, sharp-witted fellow and will be greatly missed by family and friends. Celebration of life at later date. Please visit http://riverafamilyfuneralhome.com/ for more information.