Brian Ortiz

We're still reeling from the loss of our beloved chef, Brian Ortiz, who passed away unexpectedly on April 15, 2025. Our deepest condolences to Janelle and her girls. Brian understood that the dining hall is the epicenter of morale. If the food is good, everyone is "up!"  Brian's dedication to meeting the needs and desires of the company were unparalleled.  We will miss him greatly. On top of that, he greeted us all with his characteristic smile and charisma every day.  A true beacon of good will and support for everyone.
 
He spent the last three summers at the Black Hills Playhouse wowing us with his culinary skills.  Brian cooked delicious meals for the BHP. We lost a truly inspirational soul in Brian Ortiz. Summer 2025 would have been his 4th season at the BHP.
 
Brian was a delight to be around and a great poker player. He loved the outdoors: camping, fishing, and kayaking, which made the Playhouse a perfect place for him. When he wasn't cooking or enjoying the outdoors he was a wonderful dad to three beautiful girls: Alivia, Kenna, and Freya. Fathering was a job he was proud of and loved. 

“Working for the lodges and Playhouse was a dream come true for Brian. He always loved being outdoors. The BHP was always the first place we’d come in the spring, when it warmed up, to let the girls run wild. Before anyone is there, it’s peaceful. Brian used to take his chair and go sit in the creek down the south side of Peaceful Pines and watch the clouds roll in. We let the girls set up tents and camp, take part in shenanigans, and let Freya ring the bell. He looked forward to the Playhouse. We all did. Thank you. The Playhouse means the world to us. “
-Janelle Wieseler (Brian’s partner and BHP alum)
 
When he was initiated as a Buff at the BHP, Megan McLaughlin said this of Brian:
 
"A good cook” are not the words I would use to describe Chef Brian. He is a Chef de Cuisine, a chef connoisseur! Not only is he a noble person outside of the kitchen, but the skill and artistry he brings to the kitchen is like no other. The love he dishes into every plate is what the industry should strive for. Chef Brian made kitchen work enjoyable. He taught his staff through example and stamina. I've never worked with someone so passionate about his profession!”