Joe Ortiz Garcia

Joe Ortiz Garcia, 61, died Tuesday, October 24, 2017, following a long battle with cancer. Born in Tucson December 4, 1955, Joe attended Pueblo High School, later earning his GED in the mid-1970s during his service in the US Army. He was later employed by BHP Billiton, a copper mining company, and Pima County, working in the department of Parks and Recreation.  Joe loved working outdoors and had a special relationship with plants and animals, especially with his dogs. His surviving dog, Sheeba, aka Sasha, will miss him. A man of faith, Joe will be missed by many people as well. He attended church regularly and liked lighting the candles at San Xavier Mission on Sundays. A visit to the graves of his mother and brother Frank was also part of his Sunday ritual.  He earned the reputation of being a generous and honest man while doing yard and repair work for a variety of clients. One often told him, “Joe, you are an engineer without a degree.”  A lover of life, Joe particularly liked the freedom he felt while riding his motorcycle. Unlike the normal and undeserved stereotype for bikers, Joe was a kind and sensitive human being. He also had an excellent sense of humor.  Joe is survived by his partner of more than 20 years, Denise Nasewytewa, his brothers Ray and Tony, and two children, Terecita G. Nevarez (Salvadore) and Joey. He was predeceased by his brother Jesse.