Dr. Gritzmacher provided primary health care services at the center in Tucumcari from December 29, 2008, until his death on October 10, 2011.

 Santa Fe - Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) - Quay County Family Health Center announces with great sadness the death of its Medical Director, Richard Gritzmacher, M.D., M.P.H. Dr. Gritzmacher provided primary health care services at the center in Tucumcari from December 29, 2008, until his death on October 10, 2011.

Dr Gritzmacher also held temporary positions at PMS facilities in Artesia, Carlsbad, Farmington, Logan and Tucumcari. After these experiences, he realized that his health care philosophy was consistent with the mission of PMS which led him to accept the Medical Director position.

Dr. Gritzmacher earned his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Master's in Public Health from Yale University. After completing his education, he worked with the Indian Health Service in Arizona and later opened a private family practice in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, providing health care services to that community until 1998. From 1998 until 2008, he worked as a temporary physician for communities all over the United States with a special focus on the Southwest.

A memorial ceremony was held on Friday, October 14, in Castle Rock, Colorado. A service in Tucumcari to celebrate Dr. Gritzmacher's life will be held at the center on Monday, October 31, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the PMS Foundation, c/o Quay County Family Health Center.

For more information, please contact the Quay County Family Health Center at 575-461-2200. The center is located at 1302 East Main Street, Tucumcari, NM 88401.