Lou Ortali reached the final finish line on New Yeras Eve

[Charlie & Darlene Barney - Life Members, 2015 President]

With a heavy hart I got the news Lou Ortali Viewfinders life member finished the biggest race of all. His life journey has ended on News Eve around 5:00pm. He lost his fight with cancer at his home with his family around him. Lou was club Pres from the late 70's to early 80's I'm not sure but I think some were around 78 to 82 or 83. He lead the club through the Riverside Raceway days and some of the best play days that I can recall he loved to have a good time and a hell of a guy. It was a true honor to know Lou and have his impact on our life. His wife Pam will let me know when the services will be. It would be great if the club sends flowers.  Rest in peace and gods speed my friend!!

Rider: Lou Ortali
City: Simi Valley, Ca.
Year Born: 1944 to 2012
Started Riding in: 1974
Desert Class: Old Open
Bike Make and Size: YZ465

Charlie & Darlene

[Donn Nay]

Very sad to hear. I did not get the pleasure of meeting Lou but I know his talk with Brian about his eye issue was a big help.

[Bob Johnson - D37 Rep]

RIP Lou

[pete medina]

I was sad to hear about Lou passing I met him in the early 80"s Lou was a great guy with a never ending smile for everyone he is missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him rest in peace

[Chris Cory - President 2012-14 -Life Memeber]

Really said to hear this, I only met him once or twice but it is always sad to loose a member especially one that helped the club so much.
We will send flowers when you get the info on the services.

[Kandy]

Very sad to hear about Lou's passing.  He was just a really nice person and would send me random messages from time to time just to stay in touch.  He was a great asset to the Viewfinders and will be missed.  Godspeed Lou..

[Bill McInnes - D37 Rep]

The news of Lou's passing was not the way I wanted to start my New Year. Lou was
always a fun character to be around. I'm sure we all have some fond memories of him.
Rest in Peace Lou. You will be missed.

Bill

[Jim McGrath]

This is sad news, like Pete said, Lou always had a smile on his face and was always pleasant to talk to. The last time I saw Lou was a few years ago at Charlie's in Acton.

It was a great surprise to see him there and even a bigger surprise now that he's gone.

RIP  Lou

[Keith Jones - VP]

Very sad about Lou. He always had a great attitude that I loved to be around. As mentioned before an ocassional e mail or call would let you know he was still around.
Blaze another Viewfinder trail in heaven for us!!!

[Charlie & Darlene Barney - Life Members, 2015 President]

   I spoke with Pam Ortali tonight.  She seems to be holding up really well.  Since there is so much to do, she has asked us to be her Viewfinder spokes people or persons however you say it. 
    At this time we can tell you there will be a luau type memorial service on the 19th from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a hotel in Simi Valley.  We are waiting for an email from Pam with the name and address of the hotel.  As soon as we get it we will notify you.
    Pam is requesting that everyone wear a hawaiian style shirt.  If anyone has a story or anything they remember about Lou it would be great if you would consider sharing at the service. 
    One last thing, If anyone knows how to contact Gary & Denise Jones or Steve Miller please let us know.
    Thank you for the posts and kind words.  We will pass them along to Pam.

Charlie & Darlene Barney
   

[Chris Cory - President 2012-14 -Life Memeber]

Thank you Charlie.

[Brian Matthews]

I am sad to hear of Lou's passing.  As a long term survivor of the same cancer I have, he was an inspiration.  Now that he has two good eyes again, he can get back to roosting!!!