Edward Ordaz

 It is with great sadness for the family to announce the sudden passing of Heriberto Ordaz Reyes known by people as Edward, Beto, Eddie Cologne, Eddie Watermelon, Dad, and ”Grumpy”. However you may have known him the feeling of great loss is the same. He closed his eyes for the last time on May 11, 2019 passing in his sleep due to health problems and complications with his heart. He was in his home in Galt, California with his wife of over 37 years Miriam Ordaz. He was only Fifty eight years old and it was a untimely great loss. We want to celebrate his life and honor him for the legacy and family he left behind.  

 “Remembering is easy, I do it everyday,

missing you is the heartache that never goes away.” 

   Born on October 24th, 1960 to the proud parents Augustina and Jesus Ordaz in a city named Tariacuri, Michucuan in Mexico.

  His father Jesus who taught him the importance of family moved him at two years old, along with his sister Maria Ordaz Lopez who was 7months old and mother to the United States. Not long after reaching the U.S his last sibling Joaquin Ordaz was born. The family lived in Lodi, California where he attended school until the fifth grade. Then they eventually settled in Galt, California where he continued his schooling. Beating all odds he was the only male and a Hispanic male to graduate his class of over thirty female classmates in High school class of 1978.

    In pursuit of the American dream and in hope to make his father proud in 1979 he enlisted into the United States Navy to serve his his country. To great success in 1980 he graduated boot camp. He was stationed at the Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, San Diego. Where he was attached to Beach Master Foxtrot Amphibious Unit. His job duties included transportation of Marines on and off ships where they would set up entrenchments along with training with Marines. He worked as a gunners mate and a Lark Commander.  A position not normally chosen for a junior ranking sailer. A Lark is an Amphibious armored man carrier. 

    Along with carrying out his duties as a sailor, he earned many prestigious awards. Naming one great achievement out of many he received a Humanitarian Service Medal. This was given to him for saving dying refugees escaping Iran in the Persian Gulf Conflict. Another noteworthy Medal received was The Navy Achievement Medal for his vigorous work ethic and devotion to duty. He reached the rank of E-3 Seaman. 

   While in service he met the love of his life Miriam McKee who was also serving Active Duty in the Navy. She became his wife in 1983, while he was still serving in the reserves. He completed 6 years of honorable service.

   Instead of mourning in complete sadness we would like his life to be celebrated and honored. In his short time on earth he touched many lives. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. He is survived by 3 children. His oldest and only daughter Angelica 35, Oldest son Michael 33 and his youngest son Angel Ordaz 30 years old making him the proud grandfather of 9. So his legacy will live on through his family. He was a proud father and took even more pride in being able to say he was a grandparent named “Grumpy”. So he will never be forgotten, always watching over us and always in our hearts. May he Rest In Peace Eddie Cologne.

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