He is survived by his spouse, Nancy Ortiz, sons Garrett Ortiz and Ryan Hale, daughter Emily Hale and grandson Dallas; his sister Deborah Leonard, partner Marian Allen; niece, Caroline and nephew Kenneth (wife Bari, daughter Arianna and son Kaiden) and nephew Kai Hale (wife, Pilar).
Richard worked for Harris County Precinct 4 and retired after 28 years of service. He worked at Spring Branch Independent School District for many years. He served as a member of the Spring Branch Foundation making sure the Spirit of the Bear stayed alive for all of us. He is also survived by many family members and friends.
Richard was a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Committeeman for over 30 years. He participated in the HLSR Cook-off each year and worked with the Chute Club. He was a proud member of the Crown Royal Buyers Club, raising money all year long so they could purchase livestock during the sales at the rodeo.
He was a member of the Steel Horse Cookers. They cooked for events that honored wounded warriors and many other benefits for families in need, Law Enforcement and Firefighters, Fort Hood events and the MS 150 Bike Race. He also worked to deliver signed Thank You cards to soldiers.
Cooking was his passion and he loved feeding friends, family and strangers alike.
Visitation with family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025 at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road, Houston, Texas 77055. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday at Waltrip Funeral Directors.
In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions to the Steel Horse Cookers, 16814 Grampin Dr., Houston, Texas 77084.
In honor of Richard the family asks for attire to be casual attire or jeans.
