Rudy M. Ortiz

Rudolfo M. Ortiz was born April 16, 1930, in Chihuahua, Mexico, to Armando and Josefa (Montes) Ortiz. He passed away on August 4, 2016, at his home in La Mirada, California, at the age of 86.



Growing up as a boy in Chihuahua, Rudolfo was a curious and mischievous child, often choosing skinny dipping in the river over attending class. As a first generation immigrant to the United States, Rudolfo was shortened to Rudy, but those that loved him called him Viejo. Viejo was a family man at heart. Nothing was more important to him than his wife and children. He would make any sacrifice necessary to care for his family and provide them with everything that they needed. He was an unselfish man who never said no to his wife and did whatever it took to ensure that he never had to. Viejo was a man of integrity and humility, and he was an unconventional innovator who believed in conventional family roles. He had the mind of an engineer and despite only a 3rd grade education, could just as easily fix a toaster as tear apart and rebuild a 396 Chevy big block V8. He was the original MacGyver, and he had an uncanny ability for problem solving and finding solutions to challenges, particularly mechanical ones. Viejo made a living with his powerful hands, yet they were both the hardest and softest parts of him. Despite being heavy and rugged, a touch from one conveyed safety, security, and serenity. With them, he built a family and a legacy. Viejo was a free spirit who had a lust for life and a passion for music. He didnt see the point of a third hole in his bowling ball or in having one hammer when 10 would do. A natural athlete and a graceful dancer, Viejo never passed on an opportunity to flirt with the ladies or spin a tall tale. He was full of surprises and always had a pocketful of something to share, be it Wrigleys or cheese. There was never a Kung Fu movie or piece of candy that he didnt like. He could never watch too much TV or wear too much Halston, and he played video games with unmatched passion and fervor. Yes, he was nosey. Yes, he had a tendency to state the obvious. Yes, he continued to butcher the English language long after his retirement from the meat packing industry, but fuhgeddaboudit! Thats what made him Viejo and thats why he was loved.



He leaves behind his dear wife of 62 years, Ofelia; five children, Ana (Jeffrey) Horigan, Rudy (Reina) Ortiz, Martha (Billy) Collard, Barbara (Steve) Morales, and Omar (TL) Ortiz; sister, Estella Sandoval; 13 grandchildren; Adriana (Jason), Juliana (Wes), Luci, Joseph (Marisa), Angie, Rudy (Summer), Aimee, Regan, Madison, Marin, Cade, Nathan, and Camille; and 13 great-grandchildren; Aviana, Milana, Nyana, Emerson, Grayson, Teagan, Raymond, Cruz, Avrie, Remi, Jack, Marita, and Judah. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ofelia Ortiz.



A Memorial Prayer Service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, California.