Joe “Quate” Bravo Ortiz was born March 17, 1930, passed away on Sept. 11, 2017 at the age of 87 in Show Low, AZ surrounded by his loved ones, “The Wild Bunch”.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ignacio and Brigida Ortiz, his wife of 49 years Emilia R. Ortiz and son Joe “Buckwheat” Ortiz, Brothers, Ignacioa B. Ortiz, Ramon Ortiz and Pancho Ortiz.
Left behind in loving memory are daughters, Rosie Felix, Sally (Joey Calderon), Carmen (Danny Arias) (Raymond “Wero” Felix); grandchildren, Jason Ortiz, Josh Ortiz, Elizabeth Walsh, Pete Ortiz, Joey Calderon, Victoria Carmona, Veronica Calderon, Christina De La Torre, Melissa Buda; 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and sisters, Antonia Redondo, Rita Kotalik.
Joe retired from Magma Copper in 1983 after 30 years of service. His soul was a natural adventurer, always exploring and traveling through the hills. Quate loved his grandkids and was proud to have so many! He was loved and respect in the Tri-City as both a Cowboy and Ball Player. Over the years he fell in love with Aravaipa Canyon and all the people there. He loved to do Pro Bono electrical work for anyone who asked.
He loved to wear his shades and his hat 24/7 – he never took them off. He loved to sit outside in his special chair that was well broken in, swatting every fly that came his way. Quate loved his garden every spring he asked for seeds to get his garden started. He loved his horses and in his younger years team roping. He loved to tell those stories.
He was like an alligator rough on the outside but soft and warm on the inside. Compassus Hospice and the VA Hospital in Tucson helped him immensely.
Services will be at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Friday, Sept. 22, 2017 in Mammoth, starting at 9 a.m.
Dad, Tata, Brother, Tio, Cousin and Friend Always Loved Never Forgotten.
Griffith Mortuary is providing exceptional family service. 101 Johnston Dr., Kearny, AZ 85137. Ph. (520) 363-5353. GriffithMortuary.com.