In Memory of

Jordan

Wesley

Orr

Obituary for Jordan Wesley Orr

Dad was born to John “Wes” Wesley Orr and Margaret Irene (Jordan) Orr of Deming, WA on February 14th, 1933 and we are sad to say he passed away on November 22nd, 2018 at Whatcom Hospice House. He barely escaped being named “Valentine” in honor of the day, which explains his sometimes-dry wit. He helped his father on their farm, along with his siblings. But his real passions were horses and radios. He worked on many of the programs offered to youth during the recovery from the Depression set up during the FDR era. He graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 1953, married his first wife, Nora (Keith), and joined the Navy during the tail-end of the Korean war. From there he visited Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, and even Afghanistan (his coin collection attests to that)!

After his discharge from the navy in ‘57’, he joined IBM, continuing his love of what he learned as a radio technician and applying it to the newest technology, computers! Again, dad traveled the US learning as much about how to program, build and fix “bugs”, as more and more businesses were using computers in their workplaces. These travels included extended stays in Tacoma and Seattle in Washington state, and Los Angeles and San Diego in California. Eventually dad was picked by Boeing in Everett, WA. when he retired early from IBM. He worked for another 10 years on passion, computers.

Dad was also passionate about reading which he inherited from both of his parents. His favorite genres were science fiction and fantasy. At Boeing he learned about NorWestcom, a Seattle based sci-fi and fantasy venue for those who celebrate their favorite authors, art and books. Because of his experiences with electronics, he volunteered his time in the setting-up of machines used in presentations. There he met Cheryl Ferguson, and his extended family of friends in the Seattle, WA area. When his first wife passed, he retired to Whidbey Island to pursue his second passion, horses, and married his second wife, Cheryl Ferguson.

Dad was predeceased by his father Wes and Margaret Orr, his Uncle “Bud”(Bruce) Orr, his brother Harry Orr and sister Patricia Millay and his first wife, Nora Orr and his second wife Cheryl Ferguson. He is survived by his sisters, Beverly Siquaw and Joan Orr, children, Roxanne Orr, Rick Orr, Cheryl Orr, Robert Orr, and adopted daughter Jackie Lynch. He is also survived by his grandchildren Clarissa and Alicia, and great grandchildren Casey, Sebastian (Alex), and new-born Harper Grace Sides. He also leaves behind his extended family of friends and “adopted sons and daughters” from NorWestcom, whose help to Jordan and his family deserve endless thanks and hugs.

Please donate to the ALS Association (www.alsa.org) in memory of Jordan Wesley Orr, a war veteran proud to serve his country, despite the risks.

Friends and family are encouraged to leave their memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.