Joaquin came to work in Pagosa Springs in 1974. He was a ranch hand for several ranches through his years in Pagosa Springs. He later became a mason. Joaquin was very devoted to his Catholic faith, his family and his work.
Joaquin is survived by his mother, Paulita Ortega, of Mexico; Cristobal Ortega, of Mexico; Domingo (Juanny) Ortega, of Forth Worth, Texas; Emillo (Erma) Ortega, of Farmington, N.M.; sistersĀ Manuela Ortega BV Medrano and Irene (Socorro) Burunda, both of Mexico; seven children, Darillo (April) Ortega, Doroteo Ortega, Laura (Jacob) Herrera, Eric Ortega, Pfc. Mireya Ortega, Valissatie Chavez and Demetrio (Nacona) Chavez, all of Pagosa Springs; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be held in his honor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. A eulogy will be given at 9:45 a.m. on Dec. 6, followed by Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Hilltop Cemetery, followed by lunch at the Parish Hall.