Marbella Jet-Set Bids Farewell to Luis Ortiz
The high society of Marbella mourns the loss of one of its most vibrant personalities, Luis Ortiz. Ortiz, the former spouse of Gunilla Von Bismarck, passed away at the age of 74 on Monday, 16th September at Quirón Marbella hospital. He had been fighting a long battle with prostate cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and dialysis treatments.
Ortiz and Gunilla: A Bond Beyond Marriage
Despite their divorce, Ortiz and Gunilla maintained a strong bond. The duo was a significant part of Marbella’s elite circle during the 1980s, a period considered one of the most glamorous in the town’s history. Their enduring friendship was evident when they attended the 70th anniversary of the Marbella Club together in April this year. This event marked one of Ortiz’s last public appearances, as his health had been visibly declining.
No Funeral, But a Memorial Mass
Initial reports suggest that there will be no funeral for Ortiz. However, a memorial mass is scheduled to take place in Marbella on Saturday, 21st September at the Virgen del Rocío church.
Ortiz: The Life of the Party
In his prime, Ortiz, along with Gunilla, resided in Villa Sagitario, where they frequently hosted notable figures such as Princess Soraya, Alfonso de Hohenlohe, Jaime de Mora y Aragón, Audrey Hepburn, Julio Iglesias, and the King and Queen of Sweden. Ortiz was known for his sense of humor and his unapologetic love for the good life.
Ortiz’s Later Years
Despite his lively social life, Ortiz chose a quieter lifestyle in his later years. He moved to a peaceful residential area in the nearby town of Istán, gradually stepping away from his social commitments.
