George Andrew Ortega

Feb 4, 1963 -

Nov 4, 2021

On Nov. 4, 2021, George Andrew Ortega of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away surrounded by his family after a fierce battle with COVID-19. He was 58 years old. George was born in February 1963, in Oakland, Calif., the seventh of eight children. He was raised in Hayward, California until 1974, when at age 11, he moved with his family to Alaska, where the family still resides.

Growing up in the Alaska frontier south of Delta Junction, George enjoyed a unique childhood, learning to plant and harvest, hunt and trap, and lived a simple and adventurous life far beyond the bustle of a city. When he was grown and had graduated, George spent a few years traveling outside Alaska, but ultimately made his way back and settled in Anchorage, which he called home.

In 1990, George was over the moon when his first daughter was born. Then, in 1996, he met and married Katrina Griffith and they had two children, who they raised along with George's first-born daughter. George was a devoted husband and an exemplary father, adored by his wife and three children, and they were his greatest joy. He was loving, offering his home to any in need, and all were welcome to the many birthdays, dinners, game nights, holidays, sitting around the firepit, and George would play his guitar happy and content.

George is survived by his wife, Katrina Ortega; children, Sierra, Jill and Jordan Ortega; as well as his parents, Phil and Theresa Ortega; and siblings, Gloria Ortega Williams, Lou Anne Ortega, Elaine Ortega Garcia, Phillip Ortega, Mark Ortega, Matthew Ortega and Christine Ortega; as well as a large extended family consisting of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

While our family is heartbroken to lose this wonderful husband, father, son, brother and so much more, our hearts are comforted knowing he passed from this world into the loving hands of his Creator, and he will suffer no more but will know joy and delight in the presence of his Heavenly Father for eternity. And, we know someday we will see our beloved George again.