After 28 years of service with San Isabel Electric Association, Anthony Ortega — Line Foreman for the Trinidad linecrew — retired in August.
The Trinidad linecrew has long been the closest of San Isabel Electric’s three line teams; coworkers credit Ortega for fostering that bond.
“He’s the one that makes the camaraderie, bringing everyone together through lightheartedness and fun,” Safety and Compliance Manager Lonny Rhodes said.
Rhodes and Ortega were both young journeymen when they were hired. They learned from each other for 25 years. By the end of Ortega’s career, they were both mentoring others. Rhodes shared that he enjoyed Ortega’s knack for playful banter.
Even SIEA employees who didn’t get to work closely with Ortega say they appreciated his lighthearted, easygoing nature; many say he was a great person to work with.
Lineworkers have a demanding job that requires intense focus. Ortega knew when to be serious, but also knew when to find time for a joke.
Tara Reese, SIEA Engineering and Operations Administrative Assistant, recalled, “One time when Anthony called, I told him, ‘The only reason you ever call me is when you want something.’ After that, he’d call about once a month just to say, ‘Hi.’”
Ortega’s retirement announcement caught some by surprise. “I bet him $100 that I’d retire before he does,” Rhodes said. “I guess I need to pay up.”
Ortega himself thought he’d work a few more years, but after handling several large outages in early 2024, he decided it was time.
“His kids — and now being a grandpa — are important to him,” Rhodes added. “Getting to be a grandpa is a big deal to him.”
“I never thought I’d miss the early mornings and long shifts. It’s weird, I can’t shake this feeling like I need to get ready for something. I’ll get used to it. But it’s the guys I miss the most. I haven’t been around them much since retiring, but that’ll change soon. I’ll fix that,” Ortega said.
“From my first day meeting Anthony and throughout his career, I enjoyed his caring, playful nature and appreciated his dedication to helping our members,” Ryan Elarton, General Manager said.
Congratulations, Anthony, on a great career. We at SIEA wish you the best in your retirement.
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