Harold Gamez Ortiz
Harold Gamez Ortiz was born Oct. 5, 1948, in Tucson, AZ to Lilia and Jesus Ortiz and entered into eternal rest Nov. 1, 2025, in Oro Valley, AZ.
Harold grew up in Winkelman, AZ alongside his parents and sister Karen. He attended Hayden Schools where he enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball. After graduation Harold attended Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, AZ playing college football for a year before a knee injury ended his football days.
In 1968 Harold met the love of his life Diana, and they married on Nov. 14, 1970, creating their life together in Araviapa, AZ and welcoming their son Harold “Brad” in 1974 and daughter Elissa in 1978.
In 1969, Harold became a member of the IBEW 518 Union Electrical Hall and started his Electrical Apprenticeship Program at Asarco, and completed his apprenticeship in 1974. In September 2014, Harold retired from Asarco after 45 years where he was a dedicated, hardworking Electrician and Electrical Supervisor. In 2019, he was awarded a Service Award from the IBEW 518 Electrical Union for his 50 years of loyal, dedicated membership and service as the Union’s Financial Secretary.
Harold was an avid outdoorsman, camper, knife collector and dog lover. Throughout his life, Harold was dedicated to helping friends and neighbors whenever called upon, in his younger years to his ‘Class of ‘66’ baseball team and as a volunteer member of the Dudleyville Fire Department. Harold was the epitome of a loving and loyal son, brother, husband, father, papa and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lilia and Jesus Ortiz, father in-law, Jim Orem, and mother in-law, Hazel Wright. Harold leaves behind his cherished wife of 55 years, Diana; son, Harold “Brad”; daughter in-law, Tiffany; daughter, Elissa; grandchildren, Savannah, Trysten (Andrew), Blake (Adison), Charli and Brody; loving sister, Karen; and beloved dog, Piper. He was also a few months away from becoming a great-grandpa for the first time to sweet great-granddaughter, Briella.
Harold was an amazing man who will be greatly missed by many.
Services for Harold will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Kearny at the Leo Terrill Union Hall, with a potluck luncheon to follow.