Jose Ortiz Y Pino, Iii

Jose Ortiz y Pino III, descendant of a well-known New Mexican family dating back to the early 1600’s, passed away on January 17, 2016 at the age of 83, after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Frank and Mary Ortiz y Davis, his brothers, John and Frank Jr. and his sister Margaret Truscott. He is survived by Yolanda, his wife of 64 years, his son Jose Ortiz y Pino IV and wife Lori, his daughter, Maria Ortiz y Pino, his sister Maria O. Catanach, grandchildren Miguel and Estevan Padilla and Theodore Ortiz y Pino, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jose was born on May 2, 1932, and spent most of his childhood in Santa Fe where he attended St. Michaels School, later moving to NM Military Institute in Roswell, and NM State University where he received his BA degree. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving for two years in Munich Germany, and was honorably discharged a First Lieutenant. He came home to Galisteo to ranch with his father and enter the field of politics, a long standing tradition in his family. Jose was a Santa Fe County Commissioner for two terms (1958 - 62), a State Senator (1964 - 66), and member of the Education and Judiciary Commission, Chairman of the State Parks Commission and Special Assistant to Governor David F. Cargo (1968-70). He introduced and passed the first anti-billboard law in the U.S. He was instrumental in building the Villanueva State Park in San Miguel County.
While Jose was performing all his political duties, he and Yolanda owned and operated the famous La Mancha Restaurant on La Vega in Galisteo (1958-71) as well as a general store and bar in the Ortiz “hacienda,” where he also created the Galisteo Historical Museum. He finally retired to do what he loved best – write and enjoy nature in his beloved Galisteo. He was the author of several books, including Don Jose: the Last Patron, The Herbs of Galisteo and their Power, and Curandero. He also owned the Remedios & Yerbas shop which he enjoyed very much. He was a loving and caring son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will always be remembered and hold a special place in our hearts till we are all together again as a family with our Lord God.
Special thanks and our gratitude to the Northridge staff and Amber Care Hospice staff for their very special care given to Jose for his time spent there during his illness. The family also thanks Rivera’s Funeral Home in Santa Fe, for all of their help with the arrangements and their support during this time.
A Rosary will be recited Friday April 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Nuestra Senora de los Remedios Church in Galisteo. The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday April 16, at 10:30 a.m. followed by Interment at the Galisteo Catholic Cemetery and a reception at the Galisteo Community Center.