Nemesio Ortiz, known to family and friends as "Nash" or "Tony", passed away on August 22, 2019, at the age of 81 years.

A native of D'Hanis, Nash joined the Air Force and was stationed in Sacramento CA. It was at this point in his life that he met the Boyd girls (Sammie in particular) and was an immediate addition to the family. His dynamic personality and zest for life certainly was a good fit and it wasn't too long thereafter that he was ceremoniously adopted by Ray and Marie Boyd as the "Chosen Son". After his stint in the military, he attended Ca1ifornia State University Sacramento and earned Baccalaureate and Master degrees in Social Service. He worked in public service during his lifetime, holding positions as a teacher of middle school students; as the Executive Director of the Sacramento Concilio, Inc.; and for the State of California, Department of Fair Employment and Housing, where he finished his career. There, as a consultant, he received a commendation from then-Governor Deukmajian for his outstanding efforts in settling a major discrimination case involving dozens of California workers.

Throughout his life, he was always looking for ways to help others. Whether it was at work, in his personal life or within the family circle, he was always there to support and serve, or just give you a huge hug. He was a great hugger! His generosity and caring for the well-being of others gave him the sparkle and zest he had for life. His immense pride in family–which was quite extensive–included just about everyone he met. He was beloved and it was easy to see why as soon as you met him and had a conversation. His annual holiday party was something that friends and family looked forward to all year long, with traditional Mexican cuisine, party fun and, of course, the Piñata were highlights for over 35 years. He was always upbeat, looking to have fun, laugh and enioy whatever aspect of life he happened to be involved with at the time. Nash served others his entire life. He enjoyed people: meeting them, helping them, loving them and supporting them. He was always thinking of others before himself.

He is survived by his loving extended family: brother, Ramiro Ortiz; sisters, Dominga Hernandez, Jean Brown, Mary Kellar and Sammie Marin; brothers-in-law, Jerrold Kellar and Frank Mognett; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Amadeo and Feliciana Ortiz; his "chosen" parents, Ray and Marie Boyd; brothers, Alejandro, Amadeo Jr. "Shorty", Gilberto, Leandro, Ismael and Basilio Ortiz; sisters, Solbina Orosco, Uralia Dominguez, Carolina Garcia, Donna Mognett; and brothers-in-law, Larry Martin and Kenneth Brown; niece, Amy Jennings; and nephews, Chris Kellar, Casey Kellar and Joshua Kellar.

A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, D'Hanis, followed by Memorial Mass at 10:00 and interment of ashes at San Francisco Cemetery, D'Hanis.