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Richard Ortiz Obituary
1942 - 2025
Richard Ortiz, age 82, of Bakersfield, California, died on March 17, 2025, peacefully at his East Bakersfield home. Richard was born in 1942 to Amelia and Eliseo Ortiz in Arvin, CA, where he was raised and attended Arvin High, before graduating from East Bakersfield High School in 1960. It was that year he met his high school sweetheart, Margaret (Gonzales) Ortiz, with visits during her lunch breaks at BHS paying off, as they began their life together, enjoying 62 years of marriage.
A lifelong salesman, from lawncare and shoes to cars, Richard settled into his professional calling selling insurance as a Farmers Insurance Agent, proudly serving his many clients from his East Bakersfield agency for 27 years. He worked hard to support his two daughters, Yvonne (Mike) Ortiz-Bush, and Lori (Henry) Gonzalez.
Richard never met a stranger, and was a friend to many, especially lifelong best friends Tony Reed and Steve Arvizu. Even until his last days, you would hear Richard singing, no matter the setting, always with a smile, and he would share that talent singing in church choirs. In his younger days you would see Richard with a tennis racket or delivering his signature hook shot on a basketball court. In retirement, he enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family in Carpinteria.
He cherished and longed to live for his grandsons Ricky (Krissy) and Emilio Gonzalez, and Stephen Bush, celebrating some of his proudest moments attending their school concerts, musicals, and sporting events, followed by college graduations, wedding, and most recently last fall, the ordination of Father Charles (Emilio) Gonzalez.
He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa, and great-grandpa to Lucas and Emilia, and his presence will be missed by so many of the lives he has touched. He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and brother Remey Ortiz. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Mary Lou Flores, Edward Ortiz, Rudy Ortiz, Cruz Ortiz, Bob Ortiz, Julian Ortiz, and Alice Sabbatini.
Richard's funeral mass is 10:00am on Monday, March 24, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, beginning with a viewing at 9:00am and Rosary at 9:30am. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held following the funeral mass with location to be announced later. Burial service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 9:00am.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ortiz
6 Entries
Michele Wokoek (Cisneros)
April 30, 2025
I only received this notification today, so I am so sorry this is late. I'm so sad to hear of Richard's passing. I knew him best during our time singing together as a quartet at OLPH. I was in high school at Garces, but I think I began singing with him before that. He was always so joyful and full of laughter. Sometimes we could not get through a rehearsal;-) But how wonderful his life was that he could spread so much joy and happy memories to others. I have talked about my singing in the quartet many times to my children who are now grown. They had a band director in high school who had a beautiful saying, "You'll never know the extent of your influence, so lead by example, especially when no one is watching." Richard was that example to me. Father God, I know you have Richard in your lovings arms now and for eternity. Thank you for sharing him with us for a while. All my prayers for Richard, and all his family.
Fernando Cisneros
April 22, 2025
Richard had a beautiful voice, He sung at the 9am Sunday masses at OLPH church with our daughter Michele (Cisneros) Wokoek and George Carson playing the guitar. He is now singing with the choir of Angeles in heaven. We treasured these memories Fernando and Kathleen Cisneros
Mary Lou Alderete Williams
April 1, 2025
Sorry for your loss, I remember Richard from our days in Arvin and at School.
Jerry Todd
April 1, 2025
So many great memories of Rich. I'm sorry I just heard of his passing on March 31. Always a good an loyal friend.
Don Turkal
March 24, 2025
True family man.
Mark & Robyn Garibaldi
March 22, 2025
Richard was a complete gentleman and a wonderful man. We offer our condolences and prayers for the Ortiz and Bush Family.
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