Henrique "Henry" Ortiz

In Loving Memory of Henrique “Henry” Ortiz

November 10, 1929 - February 15, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father Henrique “Henry” Ortiz at the age of 96 on Sunday February 15th while surrounded by his loving family. Henry was born in San Jose, NM on November 10,1929 to Ignacio Ortiz and Isabel Sanchez de Ortiz. Henry is a direct descendant of Nicolas Ortiz and Mariana Vargas de Barba Coronado who arrived in Santa Fe on June 23,1694 during the Spanish Resettlement of New Mexico. Henry was a disabled veteran who proudly served his country in the US Army. Henry served post-World War 2 during the Japan occupation and was honorably discharged receiving the Japan Victory Medal, the WW2 Army of Occupation Medal and the Honorable Service lapel button. Henry was a talented musician, composer, and longtime owner of Santa Fe's former Kiva Record Shop. He was also a well-known radio Disc Jockey at KDCE and at KTRC radio stations for over 20 years. He was the leader of the family band known as “Henry Ortiz and the J-J’s”. He and his family band performed at numerous events and celebrations across northern New Mexico and surrounding states for over three decades. Henry’s band played a variety of dance music on weekends at Phil’s Place, a lively nightclub in Santa Fe, where the space was often packed with devoted fans. He composed and recorded many original songs and instrumentals. Some of them are available on iTunes and on YouTube. His signature compositions “Valse de La Grama” and “Polka Ortiz” have been re-recorded in later years by other New Mexico Bands as a tribute to his influential musical style. Prior to forming his family band in 1969, Henry was a member of Trio Tipiqueňo when he played alternatingly with his first cousins, Ernest Sanchez and the late Dr. Albert Sanchez. He was also joined on the trio by his long-time best friend, the late George Gonzales - former Mayor of Santa Fe, who was his wife Isabel’s second cousin. Henry received a lifetime music achievement award from Hilos Culturales in 2018. His award is featured in the Winter 2018 edition of El Alba Magazine: https://joom.ag/88Na/p20. Dad’s guitar playing talent led to his performance being featured at the Smithsonian Institution while accompanying the famed violinist, the late Gregorio Ruiz from Pecos, NM. “Pecos Polka” and “Valse” with Gregorio Ruiz and Henry Ortiz are two recordings featured on the Smithsonian website: Music of New Mexico: Hispanic Traditions | Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Dad loved baseball and football and was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. Dad’s favorite pastime was the Casino because he loved to play Keno. Dad in his early years of marriage worked as a carpenter and as a jack of all trades in construction before he became a businessman with his record shop. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. While our hearts ache with his loss, we find comfort in knowing his spirit will live on in all who were privileged to know him. He was a devoted dad, a caring friend, and a pillar of strength to everyone who knew him. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support touched the lives of so many, and his memory will be cherished forever.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio Ortiz and Isabel Sanchez de Ortiz; his daughters, Josie and Margaret (and Margaret’s husband, Joe Bowannie); his son, Jimmy Ortiz and grandson Marshal Padilla; his brothers, Margarito Ortiz and Ignacio Ortiz Jr. (and Ignacio Jr.’s wife, Simona Griego de Ortiz); his sisters, Carolina Ortiz and Jenny Ortiz (and Jenny’s husband, Ruben Vigil). He too was preceded in death by numerous relatives and in-laws on his and his wife Isabel’s side of the family.

Henry is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Isabel Montoya de Ortiz and his children: Julian Henry Ortiz and wife Bea, Pauline and husband Henry Romero, Daughter in Law Esther Ortiz, Nellie and husband Carl David Martinez, John Moya and wife Cathi, Rubel Tafoya and fiancé Vanessa; 16 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.

The Ortiz Family wants to thank the entire hospice staff from Amber Care. Special thanks to Rachel, Diane, Kevin, Anne, Aaron, Debbie, Jennifer, Karina, Tyla, Corry and Elsa. We are grateful to all of you for your warmth and kindness provided to our Dad during his final days. Last but certainly not least, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our friends and family who provided emotional encouragement and unwavering help during these challenging times. Your thoughts, prayers, and compassionate support meant the world to us throughout this journey.

Dad’s services at Rivera’s, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and at the Santa Fe National Cemetery are currently pending and will be announced soon.

Rest in peace, Dad. You will be missed more than words can say. Vaya con Dios!