David W. Orr

Orr, David W., age 48, Feb. 20, 2011. Beloved husband of Melanie. Loving father of Nicholas and John Robert. Dearest son of the late John and Nancy Orr. Brother of Diane Vogan and the late John Orr. Contributions in memory of David's life may be made directly to the family C/O The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 3200 West Rd., Trenton, MI 48183 David Orr was the quintessential man of honor, integrity, family and country. He grew up with loving parents, family and loving the Lord. As a youth his maternal grandmother was his Sunday school teacher His love of the bible and knowing scripture continued throughout his entire life. He had a memory like no others and was able to recite and quote scripture, to make any point he was trying to get across. He remained very close to his parents throughout their lives caring for them until their deaths in 1997 and 2001. David graduated in 1980 from Port Huron Central High School and attended Michigan Tech University for 1 year. Upon returning home to Port Huron in 1981 he began a job at the Cross Company in Port Huron MI. As a 19 year old man he demonstrated a strong desire and ability to learn new skills. He had a lot of initiative and was a self starter. He set very high standards for the quality of his work and could always be counted on to provide extra effort in assuring his job was completed in a timely and professional manner. In 1982 he began his career with Intercoastal Airways in the capacity of Operations Manager of the air freight business, until 1986. Following in his father’s footsteps a career in real estate and sales became his passion. He had many mentors along the way in the field of sales, home improvement and remodeling. With a new wife, Melanie as of June 28th 1986 and their first home in Grosse Ile with the help of David’s dad a realtor, the adventure began. 2 years after the marriage, June 28, 1988 Nicholas Raymond was born. He was the apple off his father’s eyes. In 1988 they all moved to Flat Rock MI to a home that would accommodate the growing family. David continued to work briefly in Real Estate. His path crossed with many people who would have tremendous influence to begin a career in home improvement. He got his license as a contractor/builder, settling on Residential/commercial remodeling industry. May 29, 1992 John Robert was born. David was over the moon with his 2nd son. His hunting party was getting a new member. David’s dad was instrumental in planting the seed for the love of outdoors and hunting to David and all his buddies. David continued that tradition with his father’s contemporaries, his contemporaries, and now Nick and John’s friends. It has been a tradition since David’s youth with his grandparents Jack and Sadie Orr. David wanted to instill the love of family to his children and created many wonderful memories during their trips to the Florida Keys. Memories and lessons were created for these 2 sons by their father in every aspect of their lives. Everything was a lesson learned, from brushing their teeth, to changing the bearings on the boat trailer to caring for their firearms following a hunt. They learned to do their best in school, being men of integrity and honor in the workplace and the military. He expected a lot from his boys because this would separate them from the average, to be great men and carry on the Orr family name. David conducted his last 8 months of life, “business as usual”. With his beloved Melanie by his side during his chemo, he never once missed a day’s work; following the doctor’s explicit directions he was rarely sick. He amazed us all that life could go on during this time, not allowing himself to be pitied. His family and friends drew their own strength by his attitude that he would continue living as long as the Good Lord saw fit. Our Lord loved David so much because of his faithfulness he saw fit to not let David suffer the ravages of his cancer, rather his life ended peacefully surrounded by his family and friends after a stroke which took his life Feb 20,2011. Our Lord is kind and merciful and was ready to call David back home. From death to new life into the kingdom of heaven may you rest in peace dear David.