My dad is survived by his three children, Leonard Ortiz, Erin Settje (Chris) and Cheray McLaughlin (Chris). Four sisters, Patty, Mary Lou, Linda, Nancy, and a brother, Ruben and several nieces and nephews. My Dad’s greatest joy in his life were his grandkids, who called him Poppy and brought him joy daily. They are Marissa, Alexandra, Isabella, Jonathan and Cameron. He is also survived by his very loyal dog and best friend, Scotty Boy, who will miss him dearly.
The one award I know my dad was very proud of was the Lifetime Achievement Award, received in March 2009 from the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He was dedicated to working for the Hispanic Community for most of his career. He also worked with Jared Polis and his foundation, donating computers to schools.
While we commend and admire my dad for his lifetime of service to the Hispanic community, we knew him as our forever protector, champion, Poppy/Papa and will miss his multiple daily phone calls and visits. He loved nothing more than having lively conversations and debates, a good, smothered burrito, singing songs from the good old days and he had an endless supply of hugs and kisses for his kids and grandkids.
Erin Settje, daughter
Dad was born in Trinidad, CO in 1938. He came to Denver for work after he graduated high school. Dad was a member of the Colorado National Guard from 1960-1966. During that time, he was a tile setter then in 1968, began his long journey at the Coors Brewing Company. He was a facilities manager, one of only a few Hispanics to do so at the time. Dad early in his career, became an ambassador of Coors to the Hispanic community appointed by Bill Coors. Dad retired in 2008 after forty years of service. He did contract work for Coors for another six years.
He enjoyed over forty years of membership of the American GI Forum and other Hispanic organizations. Dad enjoyed finding deals, good menudo, but mostly he was a fierce protector of his family.
He has requested no services.
Leonard Ortiz, son
My dad was a good athlete at Trinidad High School. He had three college offers/scholarship to college right out of high school. He decided not to attend college so he could work and help support money his family.
Cheray McLaughlin, daughter
John was a true warrior who fought for truth and justice. He was relentless and would never give up. He had a very good heart and even at 82 years old, he volunteered at food pantry.
A proud Veteran, John was and would always praise and give credit to the iconic American GI Forum, where he was a 40-year member, stating that the AGIF was very instrumental in his securing a job at the Coors Brewery. John later would become a valuable Ambassador for Coors and the Hispanic community.
Rest in Peace, mi amigo. You served your country and your community well!
Ruth Sanchez
I met John after joining Coors Brewing Company 38 years ago and we became close friends. Before anything else, John loved and adored his children and their families, I also quickly learned that he was grateful and fiercely loyal to Coors while he loved and supported the Hispanic community. He supported several Hispanic organizations and as a Veteran had a special respect for the American G.I. Forum.
Over the years he worked passionately to bring Coors and his beloved community together to increase relations and expand opportunities for his people. He received several local and national awards in recognition of his work and nominations included countless letters of praise and gratitude. John was a wise mentor after I left Coors and opened IDEA, a counseling clinic. John and I laughed together when we spoke “Spanglish” and shared “gente” jokes.
We teased each other about mistakes in our lives and helped each other overcome. We cried and held each other over our losses and heartbreaks. We shared the pleasure of red and green chili and all things New Mexico. John always danced with me and apologized for his dance moves. He would always call me “My Marcela” and express appreciation for our friendship. John remained the man I met at Coors those many years ago, never wavering in morals and values.
Now, I turn to Jesus Christ and to our friends, the many friends we shared, for consolation. John cannot console me now, not this time. My turn to express appreciation for the countless memories that embrace me in his memory, Mi Amado Amigo, Juan.
Marcela Paiz – CEO, IDEA
John Ortiz was a true champion for AGIF Veterans, the community and our youth. It’s because of John’s efforts and contacts at Coor’s Brewing that there’s is a building on 1717 Federal named the AGIF Mile Hi. He raised money for scholarships so that the youth would be able to attend college. He was a man of integrity and conviction and never took credit for all his efforts. John will be missed but not forgotten.
Jerry Duran
John and I had become very close. We’d go to breakfast or lunch and talk about anything and everything. He told me about how when growing up his family lived in a small house and they would practically have to pile up to go to sleep. I think his parents lead him, in his young life, in the right direction. He wasn’t a Romeo but he always had women around him. I think it was because he was honest and had a good sense of life and humor. I will miss him terribly. He still taught me a lot about people and life.
Roberta Moreno
John Ortiz’s wishes were no services and that his ashes be buried next to a tree.
