“Sit still Breathe Let the fire burn”
-Robin Orta
Robin Dean Orta, loving husband, father, brother, son and friend passed away at home Monday, November 15, 2021 surrounded by family and friends.
Robin was born on October 18,1972. He was raised in Sinton, Tx by his loving parents Romulo “Joe” Orta (MSgt.) and Sheila Orta (Cook).
He attended Sinton High School where he played bass drum in the Pirates’ marching band. He went on to cultivate his artistic talents earning an Associate in Art from the distinguished art department at Bee County College. He continued his studies at TAMUCC earning a BA in Art.
In 1994, he married his beloved wife, Christina, and in 1997 the couple moved to San Marcos. He quickly found employment at the Walmart warehouse in New Braunfels, where he stayed for over 20 years and forged many lasting friendships.
Robin was a friend to all, he never met a stranger. He was a kind and caring person who believed in the golden rule and helping others. The impact of his welcoming nature was felt by many in his various walks of life. When he wasn't working, painting or caring for family, he enjoyed trips to coffee shops like Wake the Dead where he could always have a great conversation with anyone he met. Creating art was a central part of his life and led to him serving as president of the San Marcos Art League at one time. San Marcos’s community of creatives was the perfect home to feed his artistic soul. The river and its spirit were often his muse.
His dedication to self-improvement led him to pursue martial arts. Eventually he discovered that Aikido was the best match for his strong, gentle spirit and he practiced it faithfully for many years. Most recently, he was a student at KJA Aikido New Braunfels where he rose to the rank of Shodan (black belt).
Family was important to Robin and he always made sure he honored his duty to provide for, love and guide them. He was deeply involved in his childrens’ lives. He volunteered with his son’s Cub and Boy Scout Troops. He took Phoenix and Griffin to competitions and performances, and shared his art techniques and taste in music with them.
From the beginning, it was a mutual love of music that brought him and Christina together and was something they always held dear. One of his favorite pastimes was going to concerts with her or one of his good friends. It was music that helped keep him connected with far off friends.
Although he was an ordained Dudeist Priest, his spiritual foundation came from Zen Buddhism, which helped him maintain a positive attitude even as he battled cancer the last three years of his life. He wrote, “no matter how dark it is, there is always light.” Robin leaves a legacy of love and art and will be missed by the lives and hearts he touched.
He is preceded in death by his father, Romulo Orta. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Christina; daughter Phoenix; son Griffin; mother Sheila Orta; sisters Marion Smith, Karan Loop, Zelda Orta, Michelle May Filice and Fawn Glass; brothers Richard Orta and Ronnie Orta; in-laws Christoval and Yolanda Garcia; brothers-in-law Gabriel Garcia (Carolyn) and Michael Garcia (Jennifer); sister-in-law Veronica Brenda Gordon (Garcia); nieces Paula Janette Gobellan and Toni Danielle Zundt (Martinez).
A memorial will be held Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Wake the Dead Coffee House, where his art will be on display.
