Tez here, I passed on February 23, 2023, from a GI aneurism. Better late than never to inform you. To honor you, my family and friends, a celebration of “our lives” will take place at the Black Eagle Community Center, Sunday, September 15 at 1 PM. Let’s have a toast to “us”- we shared many great times. I will be attending in spirit – I’m not missing a good party. Soon after I’m requesting my ashes be taken to the “special hunting spot” in the Highwood Mountains. Ronnie Reardon. you know, Thanks.
Looking back on my yesterdays- Regrets, I had few. I did what I wanted to do. Lived it, loved it, been there, done that. I’ve seen it, I’ve been it, I came, I saw, I conquered. I did it my way. It’s been a wild ride. Wahoo!
My motto: Experience all that life has to offer. It’s better to burn out than to fade away. Hasta que nes volvamos a ver, adiaos (until we meet again, goodbye). That’s all folks. The end.
In addition to Steve’s own obituary, the family has written their own: George Steven Ortez was born September 9, 1949, in Culver City LA, California, to parents, George Jesus and M. Jeane (Rust) Ortez. Steve, AKA, “The Favorite Child” had it made, spoiled rotten, for 7 years. That is, until sister Tina (1956) and brother Kelly (1958) were born. Forever pouting about having siblings, knowing if it weren’t for them, he could have had a pony. The family lived in California until 1962, moving to Great Falls, Montana. He graduated from CMR in 1967. From there, he went on to get an Electronics degree from MSU Northern, Havre. To make a bit of cash while in college, he cooked and sold tacos and beans out of his dorm room. That is, until a grease fire had to be snuffed out and the fire department had to evacuate the building. Steve was escorted out, permanently evicted.
His family enjoyed fishing, camping and hunting together. Which included a yearly gathering of relatives, cousins and friends that would head to Swan Lake. Steve’s travels took him through out the Northwest and Southwest, Canada, to Mexico. His mode of transportation was a 1929 Nash, 1955-1958 Chevy pickup, topper camper, motorcycles, skateboard, hitchhiking and by train. He rode the rails as a stow-away Hobo. His buddies and he even made it to Hawaii. Living on the beaches, working on fishing boats, singing sea shanties, surfing- “hanging ten”. Living the life of a pirate meant revelry and freedom.
Steve was a multitalented man; he wore many hats. He liked to tinker and fix things as in working on his old Chevy pickups, motorcycles, building kayaks from wood and canvas. He also built and ran motorized model boats and flew motorized planes. This extended into inventing and getting a patent. He self-taught to play the guitar and harmonica, but when it came to singing, he could not carry a tune. Cooking was one of his many passions. He always had a pot of beans simmering. He enjoyed sharing his creations, adding secret ingredients and using his friends as guinea pigs. He’d always say, “It’s all good, just chase it down with a beer.”
Montana ran through his veins, as an avid outdoorsman, he loved it all. No matter what, if the opportunity arose, he tried it. He would say, “What the Hell, what’s the worst that could happen?” (Just never say die!)- The Goonies. His many adventures included sharing time with friends AKA “The Motley Crew”. They all being well versed in the jargon of BS, telling tall tales. Along with this, came good humor bantering always resulting in much laughter. He cherished every moment. His constant companions were his dogs having IV Brittney Spaniels all named George. Volunteering gave him pride in giving back. For instance, he helped at the Black Eagle Community Center with upkeep of the flowers, horseshoe pits and assisted in improvements at the park, trolled and strolled Wadsworth Pond and being the worm man for the Walleyes Kids Fish Day. He was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army Red Kettle. He also adopted a highway cleanup on Highway 89.
Steve worked at the ACM Smelter, Shakee’s Pizza, State Highway Department and various construction companies. He retired from Sletten and accumulated 50 years as a member of the Laborers Union.
Steve was proceeded in death by, his grandparents, Irvin and Bertha Rust and Ralfael and Isabel Ortez; sibling infants, Cindy Jeane and Mary Jeane Ortez; parents, George and Jeane Ortez.
Survivors include, sister, Tina (John) Ball; Niece, Jamie Lee Ball; niece, Zaylee M. Hofland and Jamie Lee Ball; brother, Kelly (Kayla) Ortez; nephew, Zachary Lee Ortez; ex-wives Charlotte Feller Bell (her children, Kim and Ron Bell), Terri Holm (her children Jeff and Danny Holm).
Tez had a life well lived and an eventful one at that. Surely he is looking to the next adventure that awaits him on the horizon. Tez is gone but will not be forgotten. We will always remain connected through treasured memories.
A Donation Request for Can Food & Pet Food for the GtF. Food Pantry. A Barrel will be located at the Blk.E. Comm. Center Sept 15.
Author: Staff
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