ORLANDO “ROY” MONTES, 89, of Santa Fe passed away at home on January 15, 2020. He was born on September 16, 1930 to Alejandro and Amalia Montes who raised him and his siblings in a loving, faith-filled home when Santa Fe was a smaller, simpler town. As a boy, he sold newspapers on the street corner and worked as a busboy and pastry chef at the La Fonda Hotel in the 1940s.
Orlando proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict then later in the Army and Navy reserves. He worked for the State of New Mexico at the Penitentiary as a correctional officer and then manager of the newly formed Prison Industries. He also worked for the NM Human Services Department as a contract manager retiring after 30 years.
In retirement, Orlando farmed in Nambe and spent many memorable hours irrigating his crops and trees with the Acequia del Caño. He served as a New Mexico Acequia Commissioner. He was well known for his chile-making skills and perfecting various delicacies. He loved to take road trips up north, las vueltas, to visit his many friends and especially going fishing and hunting in Northern NM. He was a self-taught guitarist, woodcarver and took furnituremaking instruction from renowned local artist, Eliseo Rodriguez. He was a stargazer who loved music ranging from Eddie Arnold, the Doors, Trio Los Panchos & Mozart. He had a keen interest in following world business markets.
He’s preceded in death by his beloved parents, brother Rudolfo "Rudy" Montes, sisters Helen Maestas and Olivia Burgin, his son Joseph Orlando, and many friends. He is survived by his loving wife Elsie Trujillo Montes, daughter Patty Montes Burks (Keith) and son Reuben Montes (Danielle). "Grandpa Roy" leaves 5 grandchildren, Nichole Burks Bordegaray (Matt), Dwight Burks, Gabriella (mom, Toni Pittman), Emilio and Graciela Montes; one great granddaughter Nora Bordegaray and special nieces and nephews.
The holy rosary will be recited on Tuesday, January 28 at 10:15 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Santa Fe with mass following at 11:00 am. Internment follows at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.
Special thanks for the expressions of love and care by Heritage Hospice and many relatives, friends and neighbors.
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