Santiago Urcelay

Santiago Urcelay (31 August 1915 – 7 October 1980) was a Chilean farmer, businessman and politician who served two consecutive terms as Deputy for the 12th Departamental Group between 1949 and 1957.

Biography Santiago Urcelay was born in Talca on 31 August 1915, the son of Santiago Urcelay Araya and Modesta Emparanza Egartúa. He married Aurora Vicente Sarría in Curicó on 27 January 1945, with whom he had five children.

He studied at the Liceo Blanco Encalada and the Instituto Comercial de Talca, graduating in 1934. A co-owner of the Barraca Alameda in Talca until 1945, he later devoted himself to agriculture, operating the estates “La Quimera” and “Ponchoví” in Maule, dedicated to vineyards, pasture and fruit production. He also served as director of the Lechera de Talca.

Beyond agricultural and commercial activity, he belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the Club Comercial, the Club de Talca, the Rotary Club, and various cooperatives. He was also active in sports organizations, serving as president of the Talca Football Association and competing in national basketball and swimming championships.

He died in Santiago on 7 October 1980.

Political career Urcelay was a member of the Agrarian Labor Party, serving as its local director and president. In 1954 he joined the Agrarian Labor Recoveryist faction opposing the national leadership headed by Rafael Tarud. He also served as regidor and later as mayor of the Municipality of Maule in 1943.

Elected Deputy for the 12th Departamental Group (Talca, Lontué and Curepto), he served in the 1949–1953 and 1953–1957 legislative periods. In his first term he sat on the Committees on Finance and Medical-Social Assistance and Hygiene; during his second term he served on the Committees on Industry and on Economy and Commerce.