June 13, 1950 – July 8, 2014

Victor Anthony Ortega passed away at Verdugo Hills Hospital after a tough fight with Multiple Myeloma secondary to exposure to Agent Orange.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy Ortega and Angela Muñiz Ortega, and his beloved son Anthony to whom he was deeply dedicated.

Victor was a fun-loving happy person his entire life. He brought much joy to others, and helped many people with his skills in engine repair and craftsmanship. He was a skilled mechanic and machinist. His work with hand power tools, and in woodworking was precise and impeccable. His touch and talents are evident in the homes of his brothers, the cars of his friends, and in many other facets of the lives of his friends.

Victor served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, and served in Vietnam stationed at Da Nang where he was exposed to Agent Orange.

After the war, Victor worked at the “Skunk Works” for Lockheed. He also worked for JBL. He was a cabinetmaker for Tom Lawler for over 17 years, where his templates and “way of doing things” is still a legacy to this day.

Victor had an innate love of music, and played drums for over 50 years. He was in innumerable bands over the years, including the Stage Jazz Band at Franklin High School, taking All City in 1968/69. His first band was the Red Velvets. His latest band and one with which he found the greatest expression was made up of his closest friends: The Tujunga Trail Dogs. They played for many years in the home studio of Rick Stratton, working through many different styles, and literally hundreds and hundreds of songs. They decided to start gigging shortly before Victor’s passing and almost immediately after Victor lost his son Tony.

Victor dedicated all of his time and life to his son Anthony who endured a lengthy illness. They shared many hours watching their favorite football team, the Raiders.

Victor is survived by his wife of 22 years, Teresa Leticia Ortega; brothers Henry J., Joseph A. and Raymond J. Ortega; sisters Christina Ortega Knoll and Martha York; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

Mortuary arrangements made through Crippen Mortuary. Memorial tribute for Victor on CrippenMortuary.com.