John "Gordo" Anthony Ortiz

John Anthony Ortiz, "Gordo", 51, of Farmington came into this life on July 9, 1962 to John Ralph Ortiz and Mary Alice Ortiz. He left this life on Wednesday, November 27, 2013, in Farmington, NM. He graduated from Farmington High School, attended Barber College in Lubbock, TX, and later received his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Highlands University. He worked as a barber with his father, John Ortiz, and later opened his own barber shop, Great Western, in Bloomfield. John was well known for his rodeo announcing, sound production, and event promotions. He loved to golf, had a one of a kind sense of humor, and a smile, story, or joke to share with family and friends. He will always be remembered for many things, including the kindness he showed to others and the immense joy that his family brought him. John was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother Norman Ortiz, and niece Mazeppa Williams. He is survived by his Fiancée, Esther Villers, children, Kalie Alley, Garrett Ortiz, Xander Ortiz, and Melanie Ortiz, brother Donny Ortiz (wife Susanne and children Frederik and Kerstin), sister Barbara Williams, as well as extended family Arthur Trujillo, Bernadette Paul, Debbie Hernandez, and many beloved family and friends. Cremation will take place and memorial mass is at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, at St. Mary's Church in Farmington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Justin Solomon Fund at Piedra Vista High School, 5700 College Blvd., Farmington NM, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. John was and will continue to be loved and missed by many. John arrangements are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St., Farmington, (505) 325-8688.