Isaac was the son of Pete and Epimenia Ortega. He was born September 23, 1917, in Alamosa, Colorado. He was a long time resident of Alamosa.
Isaac met his wife, Myrtle, at a Presbyterian youth camp. They were married in 1937. Together, they raised three children: Pete/Ikey (Suellen), Eric/Rocky, (Marie) and Peggy (Gay). Isaac had five grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren. Myrtle, his wife of over 73 years, passed away in 2009. Following her death, Isaac moved to Camarillo, California near his two sons.
Following graduation from Alamosa High School, Isaac worked for McDermoth's Motors in Alamosa. At the urging of his wife and former Alamosa School District superintendent, E.F. Evans, Isaac enrolled at Adams State College, where he earned degrees in education, industrial arts, Spanish and administration. He began his educational career as a teacher at Boyd Elementary. He became a principal at East Elementary and finished his career as principal of Boyd Elementary. When he retired the Alamosa School District honored him for his more than 40 years of service to the district by naming a school after him--Isaac P. Ortega Middle School.
Following his retirement from the Alamosa public school system, Isaac served as a translator for the Alamosa Court system.
During his lifetime, Isaac served as a probation officer and ran the Alamosa Youth Center for the city of Alamosa.
Isaac enjoyed coaching football and track. His 1956 freshman football team had the distinction of being undefeated, untied and unscored upon. In conjunction with Joe Vigil, world renown track coach, they fielded many excellent teams and individual track stars for Alamosa High School.
Isaac was successful at nearly everything he attempted. He was a superb fisherman and enjoyed the ritual of rising early and hitting the rivers and creeks in the San Luis Valley and beyond. He was an excellent wood craftsman and created some excellent valued pieces. Without ever having a lesson, he was an accomplished piano player specializing in honky tonk. Once he heard something, he could play it. He enjoyed working on his yards and tried to keep them pristine.
Finally, a person who works at his assisted care facility related a conversation she had with him. She said that Isaac had said “he was ready to go." She asked him where he was going "...to Alamosa?" He replied, "No, to be with my wife."
The entire Ortega family would like to thank the Alamosa Public School District and the city of Alamosa for providing the environment where our father and mother could thrive.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 26, 2015, 1:30 P.M.,at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, in Ventura, California.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.
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