DOUGLAS KENNETH ORR

Douglas is lovingly remembered by his life companion of 30 years Maureen Barrett nee Hossack; his children Isaac Orr and Amanda Newman nee Orr (Brent) as well as step children Ivan Enns, Jennifer Dion, and Maureen's son, Darren Hossack, his wife Tammy, and their four children; grandchildren Rebecca Orr, Lawrence Newman, Nathaniel Newman, Connor Newman and step-granddaughter, Cheyenne Macatangay; Siblings John Orr and Sheila Popoff,  as well as many cherished nieces, in particular Maggie Roy nee Orr (Mike) and their three children, nephews, cousins, including special cousin, Marjorie Mann; and long time friend and ex wife  Valerie Tripp nee McKnight.

Douglas is predeceased by his mother, Dorothy Orr nee Harness, and father, Kenneth Orr, as well as brothers George Orr (Joyce)  and James Orr (Debbie), niece Stacie Orr, and nephew Danny Frank. 

Douglas was born and raised in Souris, Manitoba and moved to Brandon with his young family in the early 1980's. 

In Doug's early childhood years he was often entered by his zealous mother into UCT Talent Contests with his hair slicked back in his little suit offering his best pre-voice-change renditions of My Dog Rex. These were the beginnings of his musical career, which were followed by a fellow patient during a stay in hospital and gifted him his first guitar. The rest was history. 

During his teen years he played basketball and had the privilege of playing against the Harlem Globetrotters.  He started a band called "Soul Sacrifice”, because he said they practically had to do that to pay for the instruments. He never stopped pursuing his love of music, inspired by his hero and mentor, the talented guitarist, Chet Atkins. Often when asked what he did he would reply he was a picker and a grinner and was described as having the best pipes in Brandon. His prized possession was his 1962 Gretsch signed Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Electric Guitar. He was also an expert archer and won many competitions in Winnipeg at Silver Heights.  

His gift of gab was the focus of his outgoing personality, being able to engage anyone on the street or in the grocery store on any number of topics. The conversation would finally end with the agreement that all world problems had at least been addressed ... if not resolved. A friend once described him as "larger than life". 

Doug was a painter by trade, but he loved learning and educated himself thoroughly on the wide variety of  things that interested him, learning many skills throughout his life.  He was a kind and compassionate man with a desire to help people in need. One of his life passions was his work with Helping Hands in Brandon. 

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In keeping with Doug's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private celebration of his life will be held when it is possible to gather. In the meantime, Doug's family kindly requests that his friends and relatives sharing thier own photos and/or sharing your own memories and stories using the comment section on this page.

In lieu of flowers it is suggested that those who desire make a donation to the Helping Hands Centre in Doug's memory.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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