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Ignacio A. Ortiz, born July 9, 1907, and who lived almost all his entire life in Santa Fe, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2005, two weeks shy of his 98th birthday. Mr. Ortiz was a 9th generation direct descendent of Nicolas Ortiz I, of Mexico City, whose own father came directly from Spain. Nicolas and his family arrived in Santa Fe on June 16th, 1694 with one of the resettlement expeditions organized and led by General Don Diego de Vargas following the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Ignacio Ortiz was born in Santa Fe, spent his early childhood living with his parents at his grandfather's ranch in La Cienega, now better known as "Rancho de Las Golandrinas," educated at St. Anthony's Orphanage in Albuquerque until he was 15, and then graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1927. He then worked for the Post Office for 35 years until he retired as assistant Postmaster in 1965. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and after he retired from the Post Office, he managed the Guadalupe Church Credit Union for another 10 years. Later, he shared his financial expertise and abilities with the Parish Council as a volunteer. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Eduvigen (Eddie) Ortiz, who died on July 13, 1985. They were married for over fifty years. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Romualda Madrid and Pablita Bransford. He is survived by his daughters, Rosemary (Paschall) Wickard, Helen (Larry) Yackel; and by his sons, Thomas A. (Lydia) Ortiz, Leroy I. (Dora) Ortiz, David J. (Delia) Ortiz, and John P. (Sandra) Ortiz. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Michelle (Tommy) Martinez, Patric Escudero, Paula Escudero, Lisa (Lenny) Vigil, Kirk (Ellen)Wickard , Ryan Wickard, Thomas C. Ortiz, Jennifer (Chris) Vigil, Mark (Natalya) Ortiz, Aaron (Francesca) Ortiz, Sharon (Randy) Holt, Karen (Chris) Kunstadt, Gina (David) Lucero, Kenny (fiance Jackie Driscoll) Ortiz, Kevin (Roberta) Stack, Paul Yackel, Amanda Yackel,. He also had 20 great-grandchildren: James, Ian, Sasha, Austin, Sean, Teresa, Brian, Alec, Geoffrey, Elias, Angelo, Adam, Elliott, Analisa, Juliana, Cameron, Alison, David, Michael, and Bobbie. Ignacio also left behind sisters, Pita Gonzales, Vicenta Martinez, Laura Mendoza, step-sister Ernestine Rodriguez; sisters-in-law, Irene Roybal, Belle Roybal, Ida (Herman) Griego, Josephine Kimball; and brother-in-law, Tito Griego. Mr. Ortiz had a tremendous intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning about a multitude of topics, from current affairs to history. He read voraciously and became quite an authority on the history of Santa Fe, the state of New Mexico, and specifically on the geneology of his family. He spent a considerable amount time in the NM State historical and Church archives researching minute details and facts about his family history. He had an incredible capacity to remember details, people, dates, events and stories, which he loved to share with his family members, friends, and acquaintances. He also loved to challenge his family members on details of our history. Three of his favorite books that he referenced constantly were "New Mexico, a Brief Multi-History," by Ruben Salaz Marquez, "Old Santa Fe," by Ralph E. Twitchell, and Fra. Angelico Chavez's "Origins of New Mexico Families." He left these volumes to us well read and well used. Ignacio A. Ortiz was a member of the Knight's of Columbus since 1930, a member of the American Legion, and was a lifetime member of the Guadalupe Church. He lived a dignified, honorable, exemplary life, and led by quiet example. He inspired all who knew him. As any devoted father and grandfather, he deeply loved his family, his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and his sisters. He loved and supported all of us, and especially those who most needed his special support. He blessed everyone with kindness, gentleness, compassion, and generosity. He was extremely proud of his offspring and he reveled in their successes. With deep love and affection, we all say goodbye to our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Charity. Funeral arrangements. . . Visitation - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 from 3-5 at Berardinelli Family Chapel Visitation - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Rosary - Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass - Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 10:00 a .m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Interment - Wednesday following mass at Santa Fe National Cemetery Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600
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