Leonard Jesus Ortiz

Born July 1967 in Fort Collins, had passed away July 8, 2020 in a Loveland hospital. He would have been a 53 years old this month. He left us quickly and will be so greatly missed.

Although he worked many jobs he primarily worked for Union Pacific railroad, where he enjoyed rocking the boat. He was known for his hard work, large lunch boxes (which he shared) and for standing up for people.

He shined when he worked for the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. His love of sports, wrestling in particular, gave him great joy to working with the coaches and athletes. At home he shared his day with enthusiasm. He got quite a laugh about kicking Dan Gable (his wrestling idol) out of the boxing room. He and Dan became fast friends and had shared breakfast together. It was a time him he cherished.

Growing up enjoyed fishing with his brothers and father. He was an excellent shot as a hunter, or so he told me. He was an anti-bully type of person and got into many fights growing up. He was a guy who offered to carry groceries for the old ladies, and always thanked veterans for their service.

Lenny loved old classic cars and always made a guess on what it would was, as well as the engine by the sound of it. Pride filled him when he got a chance to speak with the owner, and was totally right on his estimation.

He was artistic and enjoyed working with wood. Branches stood nearby to make a walking stick out of the debris torn by the recent storms. These branches were from the tree that Aaron and Grandpa Leonard planted.

By far, his greatest passion was his family! He left behind his wife Gina of 36 years, daughters, Ashley 31, Avrie 25, Andie 16 and grandkids, Brycen 12, and lliana 1.5. His mother Ramona Apodaca, and brother Anthony will also miss his presence.

Those who know him well, could see beyond his tough exterior. He was a fun, happy and loving guy. He loved and cared about his daughter's so much. He had said that his son Aaron was the one who created this family, as I was pregnant with our son when we got married. Our first daughter, Ashley, is the one that made him squishy. When I was pregnant with Avrie, he cuddled me in anticipation of our next little girl. Avrie was born a fighter and nearly didn't make it past birth. Then arrived Andie. She thought she ruled the family, and most of us thought she was right.

Ashley brought us two grandkids. Brycen has a special relationship with his PopPop and spent a lot of time together. Illiana was the cutest thing, and she loved him. They shared sunflower seeds and watched, "How the (Bitch) stole Christmas." He hated that she couldn't say Grinch.

Each of us had a special relationship with him of their own.
We will forever feel his presence.
With so much love,
Wife- Gina

If you would like to help the family with a donation, please visit https://www.empathy-funding.com/26/1384/Ortiz and you may contribute to the Leonard Jesus Ortiz Memorial Fund.