Raul Hernandez Ortiz

Raul was born in Calera de Victor Rosales, Zacatecas, to Jose Santos and Maria Soledad Ortiz. Raul’s life began in Mexico and continued to Placerville and then San Jose, California. Raul attended Washington Elementary, Markham Middle School, and Willow Glen High School, where he played sports and developed a lifelong love for football. “Just Win, Baby!” (Just don’t bring up the Raiders if they’re losing because he doesn’t want to know about ‘em if so).

Raul was competitive by nature and took great pride in his work, earning an internship from an auto body competition while in high school. He enjoyed learning, reading and technology and was always bringing home the latest gadgets from Sega Genesis, PlayStations, and Palm Pilots. His love for technology lives on, especially in his son Raul Jr., an IT engineer.

Raul served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He was very fond of his time there and often spoke of the warm hospitality of the people. He later went on to work and retired from CalTrans (CA Dept of Transportation) as a Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic.

After his service, Raul went on to marry “the most beautiful girl in the world who walked out on him,” Rosa Angelica Gonzalez Ortiz. The pair later relocated their family to Patterson, California. Although their marriage ended, their connection remained, something that could only be described as a story worthy of a telenovela.

Raul gave his life to Christ and raised his children in the Christian faith, a foundation that guided him most deeply in his role as a devoted father to Maria Soledad Salazar (Oscar), Victoria Elizabeth Noriega (Rigoberto Jr.), Erica Gabriela Ortiz, Raul Alberto Ortiz, Jr., and his beloved daughter Ruth Praxediz Ortiz, who preceded him in death in April 2022.

Raul was also an incredibly proud and loving grandfather to Calli Ghiselle, Emma Lucia, Sofia Andrea, Cadence Brielle, Rene Joaquin, and Caleb Rigoberto. They were his “kiddies,” and he made sure they always knew just how much they were loved as “there ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough” for his love to get to them.

Raul had a great love for poems, music and an appreciation for a wide range of artists, from Marvin Gaye to ZZ Top, Willie Nelson, Javier Solis, Freddy Fender, Patsy Cline, Santana, Sade, Eric Clapton and George Strait. However, “rap was crap.” His taste in music reflected both his depth and ability to connect across cultures and generations.

Though he could be private and reserved, Raul was a jokester at heart. Those who knew him well understood his unique way of showing affection…or trolling. If he teased you or playfully threatened a “B slap” or a “punch to the nose,” it meant you were someone he liked and welcomed into his circle.

Raul was philosophical by nature and loved to debate, always ready to engage in thoughtful conversation and share his wise perspective that Maria especially loved. His daughter Erica carries that same philosophical spirit and love for debates. He was a force, a pillar of strength with a commanding, melodic voice and a laugh that could fill a space. His daughter Victoria often tried to bring that laugh out proudly with her quips or antics and will remember him especially when belting out Javier Solis classics.

Raul leaves behind a legacy of reverent faith, strength, resilience, music, humor, intellect, and an unforgettable presence, “in every way.”

Raul is survived by his cherished children and grandchildren, along with his siblings, Theresa Gallegos (Juan), Maria Ruiz Esparza, Ramiro, beloved brother Jose Santos II, Socorro Krause (Robert), and Sally Ortiz (Rudy), and a large family that extends throughout the Bay Area and Calera de Victor Rosales, Zacatecas Mexico, who will continue to honor his memory. Raul is preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Ruth, sister Catalina Gonzalez, his mother, sister Abby Ortiz-Baldwin, sister Rebecca Cazares, his father, and brother, Benjamin “Benny Boy” Ortiz.

Raul shared a special bond with his nieces and nephews, loving them as his own: Marie Blackwell (Wes), Jose Santos III (Brittoni), Diana (Serina), Jacinto Marquez, Benjamin Jr., Dorothy Cazares, Minerva, Fabiola Miranda (Rodolfo Ortiz), and many, many others who brought him intense pride and joy.

The family is extremely grateful to his caretaker and close family friend, Angelica Herrera, whose compassion, patience, and attentive care brought comfort and dignity to Raul in his final years.

“I was a young troubadour when I rode in on a song, and I'll be an old troubadour when I'm gone.” In honor of Raul, please grab a cold brewski or root beer and think of him (burritos, cheeseburgers and chocolates optional). Victoria and Raul Jr. would love it if you tagged them so they can see the “cheers to Raulio” from near and far.

Final arrangements are being handled by Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel in San Jose, California. A Military Funeral Honors Ceremony and Interment will be held in Monterey, California at a later date, with details to be shared as they become available.