Jorge Ortega Eulogy

This is the eulogy I wrote for my grandfather and best friend Jorge Ortega. Jorge was born on September 8th, 1932 in Santa Barbara, Mexico. For 30 years he was my best friend and mentor. I just wanted to post what I had written for him so the whole world can read how much of an amazing person he was.

My grandfather was the most hardworking person I have ever met. He is the definition of the self made man. He taught me the importance of hard work, determination, and never taking no for an answer. One of the greatest lessons that he imparted to everyone is that in life there are no failures. There are set backs, lessons we can learn, but importantly there is always a way forward. This stubbornness to never admit defeat is something that we can all learn and take away from. Always was the shoulder to the grindstone.

This man loved to work, and he especially loved working for those he loved and called friend. Never did he miss an opportunity to give his blood and sweat to make someone’s live a little easier. His heart was full of love. He ensured that all he knew understood that the sweat from his brow, the shirt off his back or the food on his table was there’s if they wanted it or not. His life was one dedicated to service. Even after many years of working hard and building the city around us, he could not let his hands sit idly by. Whether it’s helping someone move house, snow-blowing a neighbors yard, or assisting here at St Olaf’s, service was a key value of Jorge that everyone here has had the blessing of.

But as the saying goes, work hard, play hard. Never had I had more fun with a single human, and got in more trouble. Whether we were golfing, skiing, having a quick beer, or getting lost somewhere we probably shouldn’t have been. Never did Jorge pass up the opportunity for some fun with his friends and family. In looking back at some old pictures, one thing was always apparent, George was the life of every party he was at. His friendship and adventurous spirit lives on.

As George would spin his tall tales, one thing became very apparent, this man escaped death countless times. Whether putting out an electric fire with a water hose, almost getting crushed to death in a mine, putting a match in an gasoline reservoir, etc etc etc. Here I want to show what I think was George’s favorite award. Here it says “Jorge, Escaping Death”. He had a mission on this earth, and regardless of the reckless danger he found himself in, or was put in, that mission has been completed. George understood his mission on this earth. It was a mission of hard work, service, gratitude, and imparting life long lessons of these virtues to his family. Where ever his guardian angel is, I want to say thank you. You have earned a well deserved vacation.

Thank you Jorge for the lessons you have given me. I am a greater man now due to your tutelage. We are all greater now for having you in our lives. Thank you for being an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend we could have ever needed.

Here is the obituary if you would like to read it.