Alexander Rivers Tortice

Alexander Rivers Tortice died Friday, October 1, 2010 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona following a courageous battle with a brief illness. He was 52 years old. Alex was born on July 24, 1958 in McNary, Arizona to his parents, the late Adam Alexander and Irene (Lavender) Tortice. He received his education in the White Mountains of Arizona, where he lived most of his life. Throughout his working adult life, Alex worked as a logger, first, for Earl's Logging in Whiteriver, Arizona then, for other logging companies in New Mexico and Colorado. He was an expert truckdriver in the logging industry for many, many years and was well-liked by all with whom he worked. He was a true outdoorsman and thoroughly enjoyed fishing and hunting. When he hunted deer or elk, Alex preferred using a bow and was quite skilled at the sport. Alex also was a longtime horseman and, over the years owned many horses. He even was involved with several roundups, gathering the maverick horses that grazed the lands of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Alex was a music man as well. He enjoyed listening to ALL types of music. He was even a gifted musician and played the guitar quite well. Alex wrote many of his own songs and was able to record them on cassettes for his family. Alex spent the last 2-1/2 years living in Phoenix but, whenever he was able, he enjoyed spending time with his family; especially his grandchildren. He was a true and loyal friend to many, but none will miss him more than his immediate and extended family members. Alex is survived by: his former wife, Joann Tortice of McNary, Arizona; 9 children: Alexander Delbert Tortice (Mary) of Cedar Creek, Arizona, Crystal Tortice (Andrew Bert, Jr.) of Florida, Darrell James Tortice of California, Andrea Kinney (Harrison, Jr.) of Lakeside, Arizona, Edison Gisela Tortice of McNary, Arizona, Lydia Pearl Tortice of McNary, Arizona, Monica Vasu Tortice of McNary, Arizona, Margie Tortice of Florida, Alexis Donna Tortice of McNary, Arizona; 2 sisters: Abigail Wilson of McNary, Arizona, Lydia Baha-Alchesay of Bylas, Arizona; 3 brothers: Tex Tortice, Sr. of McNary, Arizona, Lucky Tortice of McNary, Arizona, Lex Tortice, Sr. of McNary, Arizona; 11 grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Alex was preceded in death by a son, Joshua David Tortice in July of 2005 and by a sister, Judy Zahgotah. A 2 day and night wake will begin 10:00 A.M., Sunday, October 10, 2010 at the home of Joann Tortice, 202 N. Cooley Avenue in McNary, Arizona. The funeral service will also be held at her home 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, October 12, 2010. The concluding service and interment will be at the McNary Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest near his son, Joshua.