Raymond Lee Schwarz

Raymond Lee Schwarz born March 30, 1949, in Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on February 9, 2018, in Santa Fe, NM. Originally from Rochester, MN, Raymond was drawn to Santa Fe at an early age, attempting to hop a train to the city different when he was just thirteen years of age. He believed he should have been born in Santa Fe but arrived some twenty years later to a place he would forever love and call home. Schwarz, once a standout football player, he followed the path less traveled after losing a football scholarship at the University of Wisconsin due to an injury. He took that as a sign to make his second love, acting, his new pursuit. He packed his car and headed east for New York City and the avant-garde stage. His journey led to early friendships with Andy Warhol and actor Mark Margolis, who mentored Raymond in the ways of the stage and the New York scene. His quest to live an artist’s life took him to emerging art scenes in the 70’s in Oaxaca, Austin, Asheville, L.A. and Santa Fe. After an infamous shootout in Bastrop, Texas, Raymond headed east to the foothills of North Carolina, just outside Asheville. While there he received several emerging artist grants and awards and perfected his copper work.He was a celebrated and award-winning artist and a stage and screen actor his entire life. He is survived by his paintings, sculptures, indelible spirit and the memories his friends will continue to carry. A celebRAYtion of his life will be held at Cowgirl BBQ on Sunday, February 18, 2018. It will be a brunch memorial from noon until 3:00pm. 319 South Guadalupe Street.