Growing up with Bobby on Weymouth Street
There were three extended families, the Buitrons, Ortizs and Gutierrezs (us), that lived on Weymouth Street in the 1950’s. Weymouth St is a one-block long street that dead-ends at the Southern Pacific railroad tracks. Our gang included Bobby Ortiz, Joe Casablanca, Carlos and Ricky Buitron, Sam Garcia and me. Because Bobby was a bit older than the rest of us and very smart, he was the leader of our gang. His judgement usually held sway, but everybody’s opinion was considered. I look back and realize that there was no bullying in our gang, and this was due to Bobby’s leadership. As boys, we did all kinds of risky things. I remember building our own go-cart in Bobby’s garage, using rolling metal ball bearings as wheels. We took the go cart up to Beacon Hill and the go-cart came down the steep hill much faster than we expected. On one of the downhill runs, Bobby finger was smashed by one of the bearings running over it. As teenagers, we would drive all over town in Bobby’s Triumph convertible and play pool. Bobby had his own pool cue and was an excellent player. In the late 1960’s, we formed a band that we first called the Swizzle Stick Banana and later we called the Critical Mass. Bobby was lead/rhythm guitar and again the quiet, de facto leader, Sam was the drummer, George Gallegos was the bass player, and Butch Cort was the singer. They became very good, gaining paying and high impact gigs. In September 2012, I was visiting San Antonio and contacted Carlos, Sam and Bobby to get us together. The four of us met for dinner at El Barrio, a Tex-Mex restaurant on Blanco Rd. We had a wonderful time reminiscing our childhood adventures. Sam, Butch and Bobby kept up jamming after this, meeting on-line when they couldn’t meet in person, to play their music. 
I am so grateful to have spent my childhood and teenage years growing up with Bobby – he was a terrific role model, an amazing friend, and just a great person!!

Robert and his dad took me to Port Aransas for my first time fishing at the coast. We stayed at the Rock Cottages. I pass them everytime I fish there and remember my first fish, a stingray. Rest in peace old friend.

Today you laid to rest Robert’s physical body. We know though that he is with Jesus In heaven. He will be missed by so many. As a family you called him by many names.. husband, father, grandad, uncle, and more. To many kiddos at church he was called Commander Robert. He led us in Awana, touching the lives of children ages 3- high school along with countless of adult volunteers.  He encouraged all of us to memorize scripture, study Gods Word, and have fun! He impacted so many lives over so many years. I am very thankful for the friendship we had.   May God grant you peace and comfort and many happy memories to cherish. 
~Sally

I knew Grandpa Tex through my niece and nephews, who were his grandkids. If a man is measured by how much his grandkids loved and adored him, he was truly blessed. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Liz, 

My deepest condolences to you and your family.  What I remember about Robert is that he was always quick to smile and was always very pleasant. May Robert rest in peace with Hannah and all the angels in heaven.

My thoughts and prayers 🙏🏼 are with you during this difficult time.

Sally

Our prayers for the Ortiz family.
From the Nava family.

Liz, my heart is with you during this time. I was shocked and saddened at the news Robert had died. I wish I could hug you but know I love you and you are in my prayers. What great memories of our kids births, birthday parties, Christmases , etc together. Robert was a good and faithful servant for sure! Love you!! Judy

My heart breaks that I won’t be able to hear Robert laugh again.  He laughed so easily and often.  My heart breaks more for Liz, and I pray for her many times a day and night.  Robert and Liz have blessed so many with their teaching and wisdom.  This world is better because of them, and they have both greatly enriched my life.  I love you, Liz.

Liz - We are very sorry for your loss.  You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers.  Over the last few days, I have thought back to the wonderful memories we had through Awana.  I am thankful Chase had Robert as a teacher and roll model through his teenage years.  Robert was a dedicated servant that touched the lives of many children and their parents.  And he could build the best mazes out of refrigerator boxes which was always the hit of the Fun Fair.  We are truly blessed to have had you both in our lives and have missed you since we left San Antonio.  - David, Kelly, Chase and Hunter York

Judy and I were saddened to hear about Robert’s untimely passing.  Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.  We have many fond memories from Sam’s Bible study class and we truly admired Robert’s knowledge of scripture and his steadfast faith.  May our Lord and Savior comfort you and lift you up during this difficult time. 

Larry John

OBITUARY

Robert Richard Ortiz

February 12, 1948 – January 24, 2021

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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