Lou Ortili's obituary and life celebration info

Lou (Louis) Ortali, 68, of Simi Valley, passed away on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2012. He began his life in Wilmington, Del. His parents were Louis A. Ortali and mother, Betty Hill. His father was a pilot in the European Theatre during World War II. He had many comforting memories as a boy, playing with his cousins in the Wilmington area.

Lou moved with his family to Santa Ana, where his father was a crop duster. This business took them to the Central Valley of California. They lived in Gonzalez. In the summers he would work the fields and assisted his father. He graduated from Gonzalez High School, 1962. He went on to University of California - Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo. He received a degree in Agriculture Management, 1972.

Lou met Margie Bender. They married September 1964 and produced two beautiful children, Anthony and Lisa. Lou became a professional salesman in various companies. He always kept his passion for surfing the big waves on the Central Coast and later, Hawaii and Southern California with his family in tow. Lou joined the County Agriculture Department. He was a Senior Biologist Inspector for the department to the end of his life. He enjoyed his job with passion, integrity and people he worked with. He received many accolades during his tenure.

In 1981, Lou met the love of his life, Pam Miller. They married in 1991 in a Hawaiian Luau Wedding surrounded by many friends. They both enjoyed belonging to the Viewfinder Desert Club. He was appointed President twice. Within the club he became a lifelong friend with Dave Mansker. The outdoors was a favorite playground for Lou and Pam's interests. They loved surfing, dirt bike riding, camping, fishing and golf as long as they were together. He had a knack producing unusual artwork. His hobbies, other than outdoors was woodworking, barbecuing, gardening, and cooking and helping neighbors and friends. He was an extraordinary cook. He and Pam took many cruises to Mexico and Alaska. Enjoying the adventures and on one cruise finding lifetime friends Dennis and Debbie Hill, of Ojai. We must include our friends that were always like family, Steve and Dee Lasley. Lou is survived by his loving wife, Pam; son, Anthony Ortali; daughter, Lisa (Dwayne) Jones. His very special grandson, Ryan Hill Jones. He will be especially missed by his aunt, Marie Curry. In addition his mother-in-law, Shirley Teti; brother-in-law, Blaine and wife Erika Miller; nephew Ryan Miller; sister-in-law, Jan and husband Larry; and niece Michelle.

The family invites friends to a Life Celebration of Lou Ortali on Saturday, January 19, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This will be held at the Best Western- Posada Royale Hotel & Suites, 1775 Madera Road, Simi Valley, CA 93065 Tel: 584-6300. The family would like to thank Tender Loving Care Hospice for their exceptional caring help and support.

We do ask that Hawaiian attire be worn at the Celebration out of respect to Lou. He was rarely seen without his many Hawaiian shirts. We encourage any story or antidote you would like to share.

CB