Charles Randall Ortega

We cannot know the true height of a tree until it has been cut down nor the measure of a man’s life until it is over. As we prepare to celebrate the life of Charles Randall Ortega, we are reminded that Randy was Tall Timber. His abundant branches spread wide; and the light that shone through the rich leaves of his servant’s heart were golden. With roots planted deep in the love of God and nourished with living water, we believe he stepped into the presence of Our Lord and Savior on August 28, 2021, with gladness.

Randy was born on October 11, 1960, in Lamar, Colorado to Chuck and Peggy Ortega; and became a little brother to his sister, Rhoda. At a young age the family moved to Belle Fourche, SD, but he would return to Colorado throughout his life to visit his beloved grandparents, Charles and Elizabeth Ortega, and a host of extended family on the “Farr Side.”

Belle Fourche would be his “Happy Place,” throughout his growing up years and again in the last days of his life. Here is where he found lifelong friendships and the best of memories, from summer days at the swimming pool to winter fun at Wyler’s Pond and on Water Tank Hill. In high school Randy “Ort” lived large, as a beloved member of the Class of 78, Homecoming King and a standout football player, garnering All Conference and All State honors and a college scholarship along the way.

In 1980 he moved to Grand Island, NE, to be closer to his father. There he met and married Holly Anderson. They were blessed with three sons, Uriah, Kip and Auni. Randy was a faithful follower of their soccer games, Boy Scout activities and church youth groups. These were the happiest of times for him and he was proud of his boys, always.

For nearly fifteen years starting in 1988, Randy spent his summers as a Commercial Setnet Fisherman in Bristol Bay, Alaska. He and his brother-in-law, Alvin Blakley, were Hi-Liners more than once; and the stories of their great adventures were told and retold by Randy. The “Nushagak” and the friends made there held a special place in his heart.

In the last ten years Randy found his calling, as a Neuromuscular Massage Therapist.  This was his ministry and in his big Bear Paws there was healing. Through his work with Continuum Care of Colorado, he brought greater range of motion to his special needs clients. He became a calming influence in their lives and a cherished weekly visitor in the homes of those he served. From his clients we heard that, “Randy was easy to laugh with and he left deep tracks in our hearts!” He was dedicated to making their lives richer. Mr. Randy will be missed.

Randy will also be missed each and every day by his mother, Peggy (Ortega) Farr, who he adored and delighted in spending the sweetest of days with. Others, who will miss his joyful presence are his father Charles “Chuck” (Ladonna) Ortega, sons  Uriah, Kip and Auni Ortega, sister  Rhoda (John) Curtiss, niece  Autumn (Ty) Albert and their baby Case Lee, his brother from another mother, Roger (Lori) Kimball, the Ross, Ortega and Albert Clans, a Band of Brothers and countless others that helped shape the life, he loved. And now a Glorious Reunion is his, with Grandpa Farr, Grandma and Grandpa Ortega, Aunt Deenie Gerasim, Sierra Marie, Alvin Ray Blakley, Cal “Mopar” Meyers and so many that he has missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Belle Fourche Country Club in Belle Fourche, SD on October 2, 2021, at 2:00 pm with a meal to follow. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.simplycremationco.com .

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