Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, Gary Orris, died Monday, May 11, 2015, in Fairbanks after a brief but valiant struggle with cancer. Family was at his side.
Gary was the eldest child born to Pearl (Brown) and Clifford Orris on Oct. 8, 1933, in Estherville, Iowa. His parents separated when Gary and younger brother Darwin were young. Gary and Darwin were reared on the family farm of his stepfather, where they learned the value of hard work at an early age. He attended local schools in Estherville.
A powerful swimmer, Gary was twice in the right place at the right time to rescue swimmers in distress. Gary enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He served during the Korean War era, following in the footsteps of several of his uncles who had served in the Navy in World War II. He received basic training in San Diego before being transferred for additional training to Naval Station Great Lakes, where he excelled as a member of the boxing team.
His next assignment was to the North Atlantic Fleet, where he became a member of the "canoe club," the 220-foot minesweeper the USS Revenge. Adventures on the Revenge included crossing the equator en route to Panama, and outrunning a hurricane as rivets were popping out of the boat due to the force of the water. Gary completed his Navy service at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, where he was part of the Crash Air Rescue team.
After his discharge from the Navy, Gary managed several barber shops in California before embarking on what would become his major career in the construction industry. He was first a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers in California Local 12 and later a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers in Alaska Local 302. He was working on a construction site in Hawaii when he first met his future wife, the former DeAnna Hill, where they each lived just two blocks from Waikiki. They married the following year on July 31, 1961. Their family eventually included three sons: Keith, Scott and Joel.
Gary was devoted to his family and loved them unconditionally. Among his fondest memories were the many hours he spent camping, fishing, and boating with his sons and nephew, Mike Warne. Whether fishing for halibut or burbot, a fun time was had by all.
The entire family also shared an interest in training and showing purebred dogs, earning several championships in the U.S. and Canada, as well as earning obedience titles. His favorite hunting dog, a champion German shorthaired pointer named Schatz, was known for her ability to help Gary bag his limit of birds without Gary firing a single shot. Much to the chagrin of other hunters, Schatz found, pointed and retrieved birds that had been missed by their own dogs.
On two occasions, Gary helped his father-in-law, Gene Hill, pilot boats up the Inside Passage. Two of Gary's sons accompanied them on one of the trips, an adventure of a lifetime.
Gary spent the majority of his construction career working on projects in Alaska such as the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, ranging from Prudhoe Bay to various pump stations, as well as other remote and local projects.
After retirement from the construction industry, Gary began another career, working for the State of Alaska at the Fairbanks Pioneers' Home, where he later retired as maintenance supervisor. He was a member of Public Employees Union Local 71, at that time.
Gary is best remembered for his easy going nature and positive outlook. Those who knew him always will smile as they remember his ready laugh and his ability to see the best in people. He was loyal, kind, forgiving and always put his family first. He was very much loved.
Gary was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a Master Mason, as was his father and grandfather. He was also a member of the Shriners. Gary enjoyed traveling with family throughout the United States and abroad. He also enjoyed golfing, and in younger days, he and his wife often went dancing.
We were blessed in Gary's last weeks to have a gathering in Arizona of many of Gary's siblings, in-laws and extended family. It was a joyful occasion with fond memories and laughter, for which we are forever grateful.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 54 years, DeAnna; sons Keith Orris and Joel Orris; daughter-in-law Denise Orris; grandchildren Christopher Orris and Marianne Orris; siblings Darwin Orris, Terry Orris, Delores Griese, Denny Zerke, Arnie Zerke, Lynn Ysker, Donna Zerke, Judy Duncan, and their respective spouses; stepmother Georgia Orris, and many nephews and nieces, including grand-niece, Heather Hill. He is also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jacqueline and Joel Denning, as well as sister-in-law Joni Hill and family friends, Rob Bower and Wally Roberts.
He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Orris; brother Steve Orris, and sister Linda Yanez.
In memory of Gary, the family requests that his friends perform an act of kindness for another, or contribute to a favorite charitable organization such as FMH Hospice Services, 2001 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 20, at First United Methodist Church, 915 Second Ave. Church services will follow at 1 p.m., conducted by Pastor Benjamin Bohart. Services will be concluded with a piper and honor guard at Northern Lights Memorial Park, 2318 Yankovich Road, in Fairbanks.
Arrangements were made by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home. The family may be contacted at P.O. Box 61010, Fairbanks, AK 9906.
Gary has gone on his last great adventure, where we all hope to meet again one day. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).
Gary was the eldest child born to Pearl (Brown) and Clifford Orris on Oct. 8, 1933, in Estherville, Iowa. His parents separated when Gary and younger brother Darwin were young. Gary and Darwin were reared on the family farm of his stepfather, where they learned the value of hard work at an early age. He attended local schools in Estherville.
A powerful swimmer, Gary was twice in the right place at the right time to rescue swimmers in distress. Gary enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He served during the Korean War era, following in the footsteps of several of his uncles who had served in the Navy in World War II. He received basic training in San Diego before being transferred for additional training to Naval Station Great Lakes, where he excelled as a member of the boxing team.
His next assignment was to the North Atlantic Fleet, where he became a member of the "canoe club," the 220-foot minesweeper the USS Revenge. Adventures on the Revenge included crossing the equator en route to Panama, and outrunning a hurricane as rivets were popping out of the boat due to the force of the water. Gary completed his Navy service at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, where he was part of the Crash Air Rescue team.
After his discharge from the Navy, Gary managed several barber shops in California before embarking on what would become his major career in the construction industry. He was first a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers in California Local 12 and later a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers in Alaska Local 302. He was working on a construction site in Hawaii when he first met his future wife, the former DeAnna Hill, where they each lived just two blocks from Waikiki. They married the following year on July 31, 1961. Their family eventually included three sons: Keith, Scott and Joel.
Gary was devoted to his family and loved them unconditionally. Among his fondest memories were the many hours he spent camping, fishing, and boating with his sons and nephew, Mike Warne. Whether fishing for halibut or burbot, a fun time was had by all.
The entire family also shared an interest in training and showing purebred dogs, earning several championships in the U.S. and Canada, as well as earning obedience titles. His favorite hunting dog, a champion German shorthaired pointer named Schatz, was known for her ability to help Gary bag his limit of birds without Gary firing a single shot. Much to the chagrin of other hunters, Schatz found, pointed and retrieved birds that had been missed by their own dogs.
On two occasions, Gary helped his father-in-law, Gene Hill, pilot boats up the Inside Passage. Two of Gary's sons accompanied them on one of the trips, an adventure of a lifetime.
Gary spent the majority of his construction career working on projects in Alaska such as the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, ranging from Prudhoe Bay to various pump stations, as well as other remote and local projects.
After retirement from the construction industry, Gary began another career, working for the State of Alaska at the Fairbanks Pioneers' Home, where he later retired as maintenance supervisor. He was a member of Public Employees Union Local 71, at that time.
Gary is best remembered for his easy going nature and positive outlook. Those who knew him always will smile as they remember his ready laugh and his ability to see the best in people. He was loyal, kind, forgiving and always put his family first. He was very much loved.
Gary was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a Master Mason, as was his father and grandfather. He was also a member of the Shriners. Gary enjoyed traveling with family throughout the United States and abroad. He also enjoyed golfing, and in younger days, he and his wife often went dancing.
We were blessed in Gary's last weeks to have a gathering in Arizona of many of Gary's siblings, in-laws and extended family. It was a joyful occasion with fond memories and laughter, for which we are forever grateful.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 54 years, DeAnna; sons Keith Orris and Joel Orris; daughter-in-law Denise Orris; grandchildren Christopher Orris and Marianne Orris; siblings Darwin Orris, Terry Orris, Delores Griese, Denny Zerke, Arnie Zerke, Lynn Ysker, Donna Zerke, Judy Duncan, and their respective spouses; stepmother Georgia Orris, and many nephews and nieces, including grand-niece, Heather Hill. He is also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jacqueline and Joel Denning, as well as sister-in-law Joni Hill and family friends, Rob Bower and Wally Roberts.
He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Orris; brother Steve Orris, and sister Linda Yanez.
In memory of Gary, the family requests that his friends perform an act of kindness for another, or contribute to a favorite charitable organization such as FMH Hospice Services, 2001 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 20, at First United Methodist Church, 915 Second Ave. Church services will follow at 1 p.m., conducted by Pastor Benjamin Bohart. Services will be concluded with a piper and honor guard at Northern Lights Memorial Park, 2318 Yankovich Road, in Fairbanks.
Arrangements were made by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home. The family may be contacted at P.O. Box 61010, Fairbanks, AK 9906.
Gary has gone on his last great adventure, where we all hope to meet again one day. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, Gary Orris, died Monday, May 11, 2015, in Fairbanks after a brief but valiant struggle with cancer. Family was at his side.
Gary was the eldest child born to Pearl (Brown) and Clifford Orris on Oct. 8, 1933, in Estherville, Iowa. His parents separated when Gary and younger brother Darwin were young. Gary and Darwin were reared on the family farm of his stepfather, where they learned the value of hard work at an early age. He attended local schools in Estherville.
A powerful swimmer, Gary was twice in the right place at the right time to rescue swimmers in distress. Gary enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He served during the Korean War era, following in the footsteps of several of his uncles who had served in the Navy in World War II. He received basic training in San Diego before being transferred for additional training to Naval Station Great Lakes, where he excelled as a member of the boxing team.
His next assignment was to the North Atlantic Fleet, where he became a member of the "canoe club," the 220-foot minesweeper the USS Revenge. Adventures on the Revenge included crossing the equator en route to Panama, and outrunning a hurricane as rivets were popping out of the boat due to the force of the water. Gary completed his Navy service at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, where he was part of the Crash Air Rescue team.
After his discharge from the Navy, Gary managed several barber shops in California before embarking on what would become his major career in the construction industry. He was first a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers in California Local 12 and later a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers in Alaska Local 302. He was working on a construction site in Hawaii when he first met his future wife, the former DeAnna Hill, where they each lived just two blocks from Waikiki. They married the following year on July 31, 1961. Their family eventually included three sons: Keith, Scott and Joel.
Gary was devoted to his family and loved them unconditionally. Among his fondest memories were the many hours he spent camping, fishing, and boating with his sons and nephew, Mike Warne. Whether fishing for halibut or burbot, a fun time was had by all.
The entire family also shared an interest in training and showing purebred dogs, earning several championships in the U.S. and Canada, as well as earning obedience titles. His favorite hunting dog, a champion German shorthaired pointer named Schatz, was known for her ability to help Gary bag his limit of birds without Gary firing a single shot. Much to the chagrin of other hunters, Schatz found, pointed and retrieved birds that had been missed by their own dogs.
On two occasions, Gary helped his father-in-law, Gene Hill, pilot boats up the Inside Passage. Two of Gary's sons accompanied them on one of the trips, an adventure of a lifetime.
Gary spent the majority of his construction career working on projects in Alaska such as the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, ranging from Prudhoe Bay to various pump stations, as well as other remote and local projects.
After retirement from the construction industry, Gary began another career, working for the State of Alaska at the Fairbanks Pioneers' Home, where he later retired as maintenance supervisor. He was a member of Public Employees Union Local 71, at that time.
Gary is best remembered for his easy going nature and positive outlook. Those who knew him always will smile as they remember his ready laugh and his ability to see the best in people. He was loyal, kind, forgiving and always put his family first. He was very much loved.
Gary was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a Master Mason, as was his father and grandfather. He was also a member of the Shriners. Gary enjoyed traveling with family throughout the United States and abroad. He also enjoyed golfing, and in younger days, he and his wife often went dancing.
We were blessed in Gary's last weeks to have a gathering in Arizona of many of Gary's siblings, in-laws and extended family. It was a joyful occasion with fond memories and laughter, for which we are forever grateful.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 54 years, DeAnna; sons Keith Orris and Joel Orris; daughter-in-law Denise Orris; grandchildren Christopher Orris and Marianne Orris; siblings Darwin Orris, Terry Orris, Delores Griese, Denny Zerke, Arnie Zerke, Lynn Ysker, Donna Zerke, Judy Duncan, and their respective spouses; stepmother Georgia Orris, and many nephews and nieces, including grand-niece, Heather Hill. He is also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jacqueline and Joel Denning, as well as sister-in-law Joni Hill and family friends, Rob Bower and Wally Roberts.
He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Orris; brother Steve Orris, and sister Linda Yanez.
In memory of Gary, the family requests that his friends perform an act of kindness for another, or contribute to a favorite charitable organization such as FMH Hospice Services, 2001 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 20, at First United Methodist Church, 915 Second Ave. Church services will follow at 1 p.m., conducted by Pastor Benjamin Bohart. Services will be concluded with a piper and honor guard at Northern Lights Memorial Park, 2318 Yankovich Road, in Fairbanks.
Arrangements were made by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home. The family may be contacted at P.O. Box 61010, Fairbanks, AK 9906.
Gary has gone on his last great adventure, where we all hope to meet again one day. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).
Gary was the eldest child born to Pearl (Brown) and Clifford Orris on Oct. 8, 1933, in Estherville, Iowa. His parents separated when Gary and younger brother Darwin were young. Gary and Darwin were reared on the family farm of his stepfather, where they learned the value of hard work at an early age. He attended local schools in Estherville.
A powerful swimmer, Gary was twice in the right place at the right time to rescue swimmers in distress. Gary enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He served during the Korean War era, following in the footsteps of several of his uncles who had served in the Navy in World War II. He received basic training in San Diego before being transferred for additional training to Naval Station Great Lakes, where he excelled as a member of the boxing team.
His next assignment was to the North Atlantic Fleet, where he became a member of the "canoe club," the 220-foot minesweeper the USS Revenge. Adventures on the Revenge included crossing the equator en route to Panama, and outrunning a hurricane as rivets were popping out of the boat due to the force of the water. Gary completed his Navy service at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, where he was part of the Crash Air Rescue team.
After his discharge from the Navy, Gary managed several barber shops in California before embarking on what would become his major career in the construction industry. He was first a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers in California Local 12 and later a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers in Alaska Local 302. He was working on a construction site in Hawaii when he first met his future wife, the former DeAnna Hill, where they each lived just two blocks from Waikiki. They married the following year on July 31, 1961. Their family eventually included three sons: Keith, Scott and Joel.
Gary was devoted to his family and loved them unconditionally. Among his fondest memories were the many hours he spent camping, fishing, and boating with his sons and nephew, Mike Warne. Whether fishing for halibut or burbot, a fun time was had by all.
The entire family also shared an interest in training and showing purebred dogs, earning several championships in the U.S. and Canada, as well as earning obedience titles. His favorite hunting dog, a champion German shorthaired pointer named Schatz, was known for her ability to help Gary bag his limit of birds without Gary firing a single shot. Much to the chagrin of other hunters, Schatz found, pointed and retrieved birds that had been missed by their own dogs.
On two occasions, Gary helped his father-in-law, Gene Hill, pilot boats up the Inside Passage. Two of Gary's sons accompanied them on one of the trips, an adventure of a lifetime.
Gary spent the majority of his construction career working on projects in Alaska such as the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, ranging from Prudhoe Bay to various pump stations, as well as other remote and local projects.
After retirement from the construction industry, Gary began another career, working for the State of Alaska at the Fairbanks Pioneers' Home, where he later retired as maintenance supervisor. He was a member of Public Employees Union Local 71, at that time.
Gary is best remembered for his easy going nature and positive outlook. Those who knew him always will smile as they remember his ready laugh and his ability to see the best in people. He was loyal, kind, forgiving and always put his family first. He was very much loved.
Gary was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a Master Mason, as was his father and grandfather. He was also a member of the Shriners. Gary enjoyed traveling with family throughout the United States and abroad. He also enjoyed golfing, and in younger days, he and his wife often went dancing.
We were blessed in Gary's last weeks to have a gathering in Arizona of many of Gary's siblings, in-laws and extended family. It was a joyful occasion with fond memories and laughter, for which we are forever grateful.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 54 years, DeAnna; sons Keith Orris and Joel Orris; daughter-in-law Denise Orris; grandchildren Christopher Orris and Marianne Orris; siblings Darwin Orris, Terry Orris, Delores Griese, Denny Zerke, Arnie Zerke, Lynn Ysker, Donna Zerke, Judy Duncan, and their respective spouses; stepmother Georgia Orris, and many nephews and nieces, including grand-niece, Heather Hill. He is also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jacqueline and Joel Denning, as well as sister-in-law Joni Hill and family friends, Rob Bower and Wally Roberts.
He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Orris; brother Steve Orris, and sister Linda Yanez.
In memory of Gary, the family requests that his friends perform an act of kindness for another, or contribute to a favorite charitable organization such as FMH Hospice Services, 2001 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 20, at First United Methodist Church, 915 Second Ave. Church services will follow at 1 p.m., conducted by Pastor Benjamin Bohart. Services will be concluded with a piper and honor guard at Northern Lights Memorial Park, 2318 Yankovich Road, in Fairbanks.
Arrangements were made by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home. The family may be contacted at P.O. Box 61010, Fairbanks, AK 9906.
Gary has gone on his last great adventure, where we all hope to meet again one day. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).
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