Robert Menard Ortiz 87, passed away unexpectedly the morning of October 20, 2011. He was born in Tucson on July 19, 1924. As a boy he learned auto mechanics at his brother's shop, the "South Main Garage", and used that knowledge his entire life. He graduated from Tucson High School in 1942, then attended the University of Arizona until he was inducted into the Army in April 1943. He served in the WWII South Pacific Theater until December 1945 when he was honorably discharged as a decorated Sargent. With the good Lord's blessings, he safely returned to Tucson, continued his education at the U of A and married his true love, Julia "Julie" Fiero, in 1946. In 1949 he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Arts and a minor in Physical Education and Spanish along with being a 4 sport /4 year U of A letterman. Soon thereafter, he began teaching Auto Mechanics and coaching Cross Country, Field and Track at Tucson High School. He also taught at Pima College and its' satellite facility in Sells. During the summer, he pursued further education at Arizona State College in Flagstaff until he graduated in 1955 with a Master of Arts in Education Administration and a minor in Industrial Education. As part of his Masters, he studied Motor Car Specifications at the GM Institute in Flint, MI. His passion was teaching and up until the day he died he continued to work on cars. He was an honorable man, a loving husband and a cherished father. He leaves behind his adoring wife, Julie and his five proud children: sons, Robert, Dennis (Deisy), Richard (Carma) and Ron (Shari) Ortiz; his daughter, Maria Ortiz Asplund (Jonas) and also his grandchildren, Diego Vargas (Amy), Joseph (Nick) Ryan, Joshua Asplund and Jeannie, Beto, Alida, Denny, Tanner, Justin and Arianna Ortiz. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rosalia and Salvador Ortiz; his brothers, Frank and Carlos Ortiz; sisters, Rosario Ochoa, Maria Rendon, Lugarda Manzo, Socorro Durazo and Delores (Lolita) Ortiz; his daughter, Rosalie Vargas and his precious granddaughter, Mikayla Ortiz. Although he will remain in our hearts and memory forever, he takes with him a part of each of us and we shall miss him dearly. Services are to begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1946 E. Lee Street. In lieu of flowers, please become an organ donor and save a life. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.