HAMILTON, Mont. – GONE FISHIN’ . . . He took off on a Sunday fishing trip that never has to end. Donald Eugene Orr decided to settle down at a quiet fishing hole in the sky at 9:15 Sunday evening, July 17, 2011. In his last moments, Don’s family said “happy trails” as they sat together in his longtime home in the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains in Hamilton, Mont.
He will be forever missed by his brother Herb, three children, six grandchildren, a great-grandchild, his faithful four-legged companion Joey, and numerous friends and extended family.
Don was born on July 24, 1936, in Wamego, Kan., to Eleanor Kathryn and Cecil Orr. It was the hottest day in Kansas’ history — 127 degrees.
In 1955, he graduated from high school in Iola, Kan., and went on to serve our country’s Navy from 1956 to 1959 as a Mineman Seaman.
He was married on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1956, and welcomed three children into the world. The family moved to Albany, Ore., and spent the years traveling, camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking and making home movies. He was very proud to be the first father who held the title of Girl Scout Brownie Leader.
After moving to Hamilton, Mont., in 1970, Don worked as an Animal Caretaker at the Rocky Mountain Laboratory. He volunteered for Search and Rescue, taught cardio pulmonary resuscitation and first aid, proudly displayed his Good Sam Club sticker, served as a member of the Montana Peace Officers Association and was dubbed an Honorary Ranger for the Forest Service.
He spent his retirement woodworking, camp hosting, playing croquette and ice cream-making with his grandkids. He was proud of his Eastern Cherokee heritage and his membership in the Methodist Church.
Don loved family, coffee, his land, practical jokes, trains, sourdough, camping, the mountains, Christmas and making chocolate chip cookies for anyone with a sweet tooth. He took every opportunity to tell a great story and never missed a chance to hear a new one. His friends and family will always remember Don’s gentle consideration, capturing spirit and infectious laugh for generations to come.
A celebration of his life will be held at Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel on Friday, July 22, at 1 p.m. with military honors following. There will be a reception following the services in the funeral home’s community room. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Marcus Daly Hospice or St. Labre Indian School.
He’s now in a place where the eagles soar daily, the elk and deer mosey by in droves, and the fish are biting like never before . . . Don, Dad, Da, Grandpa, Potter, Papa, “The Cookie Man”: We love you.
Donald Orr
