My friend, Leo Coriz

Many, many years ago I met an wonderful, interesting SD kivaman named Leo Coriz. He recognized my Indian blood instantly, which had never been discussed since my grandpa married a Spanish woman who said all of us were "Spanish". Leo told me, over the course of years, many stories, some about the Jicarilla Apache from whom I am decended. He made me a lovely pair of silver, hoop earrings with a dangling globe and "adopted" me, telling me years and years worth of stories, so I would have someone INDIAN to learn from. We drank beer at the MineShaft in Madras after walking a "prayer stick" up a mountain with me; my mom and I visited his home and ate with some of his lovely family just days before a special event in August. He even invited me to bake bread for the festival with the women in his family. In short, my dear friend and teacher went to the Creator without my being able to say "Good Bye for now" or pay my respects to his wife and family. I am older now, I live in Costa Rica, and my health isn't very good anymore. I would very much like to re-visit Santo Domingo Pueblo and introduce my 10-year old son to Leo's family and your wonderful life (which is also a part of his ancestry) before I pass. Does anyone know Leo or his family? I remember distinctly (late 80s/early 90s?) his excitement over a trip we talked about. He was speaking, I believe, at Stanford University where his daughter was a student. Also, he showed me, with pride, photos/letters from his service in the US military, where President John F. Kennedy allowed his to not cut his hair unless in times of active fighting. I believe he received a Medal for his service. He left this Earth on a street in Santa Fe. I knew him like a dear friend, I loved him like a father and I miss him. Please respond if you know my friend. kivagirl234@hotmail.com

Hello,
I am Leo's youngest daughter and I found your email while browsing. It is always wonderful to find one of many friends that my dad had. Your discription of my dad is right on the button. I am in a class right now but would love to communicate with you some more of my dad later on.

I wrote you an email but it was returned if you want to share some great stories about our old friend send me an email to sandy@seriousgrippage.com. I studied with Leo and was a good friend although I was always the white woman around.

Deborah Gzesh wrote:

Many, many years ago I met an wonderful, interesting SD kivaman named Leo Coriz. He recognized my Indian blood instantly, which had never been discussed since my grandpa married a Spanish woman who said all of us were "Spanish". Leo told me, over the course of years, many stories, some about the Jicarilla Apache from whom I am decended. He made me a lovely pair of silver, hoop earrings with a dangling globe and "adopted" me, telling me years and years worth of stories, so I would have someone INDIAN to learn from. We drank beer at the MineShaft in Madras after walking a "prayer stick" up a mountain with me; my mom and I visited his home and ate with some of his lovely family just days before a special event in August. He even invited me to bake bread for the festival with the women in his family. In short, my dear friend and teacher went to the Creator without my being able to say "Good Bye for now" or pay my respects to his wife and family. I am older now, I live in Costa Rica, and my health isn't very good anymore. I would very much like to re-visit Santo Domingo Pueblo and introduce my 10-year old son to Leo's family and your wonderful life (which is also a part of his ancestry) before I pass. Does anyone know Leo or his family? I remember distinctly (late 80s/early 90s?) his excitement over a trip we talked about. He was speaking, I believe, at Stanford University where his daughter was a student. Also, he showed me, with pride, photos/letters from his service in the US military, where President John F. Kennedy allowed his to not cut his hair unless in times of active fighting. I believe he received a Medal for his service. He left this Earth on a street in Santa Fe. I knew him like a dear friend, I loved him like a father and I miss him. Please respond if you know my friend. kivagirl234@hotmail.com

I just read your message from 2011 and rec'd. another from Leo's daughter, which was very touching. I am still battling liver cancer so it takes time for me to reply. I would love to chat about Leo and the many times we spent at the pueblo,int the Mineshaft drinking and talking, he even helped me hike to take a prayer stick onto a lovely cliff between Madrid and Santa Fe. Please feel free to write back and we can share Leo's engaging spirit, stories, etc. Take care dear. I miss my friend very much to this day. He was my "adopted" Indian father, we used to joke. He tauught me to be proud of being Jicarilla Apache; although I was raised to hide the fact by my European grandmother. Plenty of stories to share ... the residual energy is still delightful and strong. Thanks for responding.