Richard Ortegon Jr., born on November 8, 1973, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 1, 2026, at the age of 52.

A person’s life is measured not by what they accumulate, but by the love they give, the lives they touch, and the legacy they leave behind. Richard’s life was rich in all three.

Richard loved God with all his heart and lived each day with genuine gratitude. He often spoke of how blessed he was and never took for granted the gift of his faith, his family, his friends, or the life God had given him. His faith was evident not only in what he believed, but in how he lived—with humility, kindness, generosity, and love.

The greatest love of Richard’s life was his wife of 32 years, Linda Michelle Ortegon. Their marriage was a beautiful example of unwavering love, faithfulness, friendship, and devotion. Together they built a home filled with laughter, compassion, and unconditional love.

Nothing brought Richard greater pride or joy than being the father of his two sons, Matthew Richard Ortegon and Michael Daniel H. Ortegon. Being their dad was the honor of his life. He never missed an opportunity to encourage them, support them, teach them, celebrate their accomplishments, or simply be present. Whether coaching them through life’s challenges or cheering them on in their successes, he gave them his time, his wisdom, and his whole heart. His greatest legacy will forever live on in the men they become.

Richard was the kind of man everyone hopes to have in their life. He was incredibly patient, gentle, and compassionate. He never cared for conflict and always chose understanding over anger, peace over pride, and grace over judgment. He possessed a quiet strength that made others feel safe, heard, and loved.

His integrity was unwavering. Richard believed in doing things the right way, even when no one was watching. Honest, dependable, and deeply principled, he lived by his values every day. He was respectful to everyone he met and was always mindful of his words, never wanting to offend or hurt another person. His character earned the trust and admiration of all who knew him.

Richard found genuine joy in serving others. Helping people wasn’t something he occasionally did—it was simply who he was. Whether family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers, he gave freely of his time, his knowledge, and his heart without expecting anything in return. He was a source of comfort during difficult moments, a steady presence through life’s storms, and someone people naturally turned to because they knew he would listen with compassion and respond with love.

He was a devoted son whose love and respect for his family never wavered. He was an incredible brother who was always ready with encouragement, laughter, wisdom, and unwavering support. As an uncle, he made every niece and nephew feel important, loved, and protected. Family was everything to Richard. Nothing made him happier than gathering with those he loved. Whether spending time with his own family or the large extended family he gained through marriage, he treasured every holiday, celebration, backyard barbecue, and simple moment together. He understood that life’s greatest blessings were not things—they were people.

Richard had a joyful spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved making others laugh, could always find something to smile about, and had a way of making every room feel warmer simply by being in it. He appreciated life’s simple blessings and reminded those around him to do the same.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army, including a tour in Kuwait. He carried that same spirit of honor, courage, discipline, and selfless service throughout every aspect of his life.

Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, Richard built a successful business. Yet those who knew him best understood that his greatest success was never measured by his career. His greatest accomplishments were the husband he was, the father he became, the son, brother, uncle, and friend he chose to be, and the countless lives he touched through his faith, integrity, generosity, and love.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Sylvia Ann Ortegon; his grandparents, Luis and Julia Cardona; his cousin, Rene Cantu; and his grandfather-in-law, Alonzo M. Hernandez.

Richard leaves behind the love of his life, his devoted wife of 32 years, Linda Michelle Ortegon; his beloved sons, Matthew Richard Ortegon and Michael Daniel H. Ortegon; his loving sisters, Christine Ortegon Moreno (Larry), Michelle Ortegon Gutierrez (Russell), and JoAnn Ortegon Baeza (Gerardo); his in-laws, Daniel and Velma Castaneda, Michael and Stephanie Apolinar, and Melanie Castro and Tommie Mobbs; his aunt and uncle, Rudy and Belinda Guerrero and Luis and Maria Cardona; his cousins, Tony Cantu, Monica Tovar, Alejandro Guerrero, Lynda Ann Guerrero Goodspeed (Craig), Steve Cardona (Amy), Luis Cardona, and Carmen Cardenas (George); his cherished friends, Harold and Anna; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure the privilege of having known and loved him.

Richard’s life was a beautiful reflection of God’s love. He taught others, not only by his words but by his example, what it means to live with faith, to love wholeheartedly, to serve selflessly, and to walk through life with humility and integrity.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that he has heard the words he spent his life preparing for:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Until we meet again, your love lives on in us. You will always be deeply loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.