Timothy Origer

Timothy Earl Origer 

Birth 04/14/48    Death 09/24/23

It is with great sadness that the family of Timothy Origer announces his passing on September 24, 2023.

He is predeceased by his parents, William and Marquetta Origer, as well as by in-laws, Joe & Rosina Jaramillo, Salomon Jaramillo Jr., Rebecca & Gilbert Borrego and Perfecto Maestas. Tim’s sister-in-law, Celene J Maestas, followed him in death.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Geri Jaramillo; daughters, Amber (Jonathan) and Sidera. He is additionally survived by his brother, Lee, and sister, Patti, and four nieces, one nephew, and their children. He is also survived by sisters-and brothers-in-law: Caroline (Tim); Steve (Mabel); Loretta (David); Ben (Helen); Ruben (Rose); and Lucy and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and their extended families.

Tim graduated as an All-American football and basketball player from Cretin High School. While on a full football scholarship to University of Minnesota, he decided to enlist in the US Marine Corps. After nearly losing his life in Vietnam. Tim returned home forever changed, but continued to live a storied life, viewing the next fifty plus years as a gift.

Upon his return, he married and travelled the U.S. and Europe with his wife, Sally, before settling on the West coast. Tim helped bring into the world their two daughters, while also rebuilding their turn of the century log cabin from the ground up. After his divorce, Tim moved to New Mexico and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of Santa Fe with degrees in Creative Writing and Counseling Psychology. During this time, he made many lasting friendships, including his loving wife, Geri.

Passionate about others' well-being, Tim volunteered with The Choices Program, Kitchen Angels and Veterans for Peace, where he was instrumental in creating and touring the Iraq/Afghanistan War Memorial banners. Additionally, he collaborated with El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe, building an art installation of plaster skulls to commemorate soldiers’ lives lost. He often spoke to young people about the consequences of war and was regularly featured in local newspapers advocating for veterans’ rights.

All who spent time with Tim witnessed his devotion as a husband and father and his generosity and compassion. We will greatly miss his beautiful artistry ranging from woodwork and painting, to prose and poetry. Tim will be remembered by anyone who entered his home, friend and stranger alike, for his delicious cooking, larger-than-life presence, mischievous sense of humor, and vibrant storytelling. In his final years, Tim enjoyed the life he created with Geri and their two cats, Caz and Nova, in their peaceful Pojoaque Valley home.

We cannot adequately express our gratitude for all those who have helped during the time of Tim’s illness and passing - we are forever grateful for your love and care. At Tim’s request, services were held privately. In lieu of flowers, Tim and his family would be grateful for donations to the Espanola Humane Shelter and Adoptions at 108 Hamm Parkway, Espanola, NM 87532. 

The family of Timothy Origer has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  www.devargasfuneral.com   505-747-7477