Obituary

Evaristo “Tony” A. Ortiz

Sunrise July 31, 1926, Sunset January 30, 2023

Tony passed away at the ripe age of 96 years old, in his home in Bellingham, WA surrounded by his family. Tony is preceded in death by: his wife of 55 years, Josephine “Josie” Ortiz, parents Evaristo E. Ortiz and Maria C. Ortiz, and granddaughter Amaya Mercedes Hillaire.

Tony was the beloved father to Michael Ortiz (and Rosalie) and Julia Ortiz (and Tomas Felix). He was a wonderful grandfather to Theresa Scicluna (and Rob), Reta Ortiz, Andrew Ortiz, Tahnee Kawakone (and Derek), and Tony Hillaire (and Kali). He was an amazing great-grandfather to Zach (and Rachel), Samantha, Joshua (and Denise), Koda, Derek Jr., Vallyn, Troy, Wilder, Raven, Champ, and Kemper; and great-great grandfather to Logan.

Tony graduated Mission High School in 1944. He worked as a Lithographer at Schmidt Lithography in San Francisco. Tony was a WWII veteran, enlisting in the Army on October 2, 1946. He was a Technician 4 and was assigned to the 8^th Army AG Publication Department, stationed in Yokohama, Japan. Tony received the WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal Japan and M1 Garand and Carbine Marksman Badge. After the army, he returned to Lithography working long hours, on holidays and for many years until his retirement.

Tony loved his job, the military, 49ers, music, dancing (especially the jitterbug), dressing up to look his best, cars, going to the movies, watching his shows, hanging out and parties with his wife and friends, golf, travelling, going to the gym and going for a walk.

Tony was a great dad and grandpa. He loved, and was so proud of, his children and grandchildren. He was always so acknowledging of his family and friends, making us feel important and loved. Above all else, Tony will be remembered as a husband to his amazing wife Josie, whom he married on May 29, 1948. He was head over heels in love with his wife. He was always so affectionate to her, showing all of us what it means to love in the most passionate and fun way. Even at times when Josie had enough of Tony’s personality, he would ingratiate himself back onto her good side. The way he looked at his wife will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Tony will be celebrated on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 10:00am at Lakeway Moles, Bayview Chapel, Bellingham, WA.