Sid Ortis

After a nearly 15-month battle with osteosarcoma cancer, Sidney Fitzgerald Ortis entered Heaven on October 31, 2015. Sid was surrounded by the most loving and loyal group of family and friends. He fought a courageous battle and was never defeated. In the last year, he voiced his thoughts on life and death inspiring many. Sid said that he was in a Win-Win situation: if he died he would go to Heaven, and if he was healed and lived he would stay on earth with his family and friends. Not really knowing, Sid was speaking scripture, "To live is Christ, to die is gain" Philippians 1:21.

Sid was born and lived his entire life in Mountain Brook, Alabama, and was a member of Church of the Highlands. Sid was in the 10th grade at Mountain Brook High School. His community and church were significant parts of his life. Sid enjoyed playing basketball with his classmates and friends. His favorite things were to hang out with friends, play video games or go to movies. Sid also loved to vacation and spend time with his family. He was extremely funny, quick-witted, and loyal to all whom he loved. He was considered a friend by many.

Sid is survived by his parents, Scott and Lynn Ortis; brothers Andy and Gray Ortis; sisters; Kati and Elle Ortis, Grandparents Thomas and Sydie Allen, Mary Anne Ortis; preceded in death by paternal grandfather Louis G. Ortis. Also survived by aunts and uncles Mark and Jeigh Stipe, Robert and Holly Guidry, Todd and Sue Ortis and Rett Allen; cousins Mary Morgan Stipe, Rowe Stipe, Josiah Ortis, Hayes Guidry and Sawyer Guidry.

The Ortis family would like to thank Drs. Stuart Cramer, Jenny McDaniel and Nicole Behnke for exceptional care and compassion throughout the last year. They also would like to thank the nurses in Clinic 8, as well as the nurses on the oncology floor, 8 Quarterback, who are beyond exceptional. These amazing nurses cared for Sid like he was their own. They became family who wept when we wept, laughed with us, and carried us.

Honorary pallbearers are his brothers, Andy and Gray Ortis, his cousin Rowe Stipe, his friends, Grayson Walters, Wilson Higgins, RL England, James Childs, and Trey Lockett.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to pediatric cancer research. Please make donations to Children's of Alabama for Pediatric Cancer Research, 1600 7th Ave South, Lowder 512, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

A Memorial Service celebrating Sid's life will be held on November 5, 2015 at 2pm. The memorial service will be officiated by Pastor Chis Hodges at Church of the Highlands Grants Mill Campus.