Richard Sweet Orr's Obituary
“Richard Sweet Orr was born July 27, 1927 to Ellen and Max Orr among humble beginnings in Penn Yan, NY. "Dickie's" work ethic started at an early age delivering papers and groceries during the depression in exchange for food.
The Goodenow family was on his route and became a fixture in his life for the next 90 years. Dickie met the love of his life on that route, Joyce Goodenow, when they were a mere 5 years old. While it would take many years for her to say 'yes, Dickie was treated like one of the family from a very early age.
Dick lied about his age and enlisted to serve in the navy during WWIl as a teenager. He served in 5 theaters of war on the USS Tabora, an attach cargo ship. He spent two years on the ship, in and around Japan, working as a cook and a mechanic, transporting US servicemen home. Once it was time for him to return home in 1946, he made a quest to make Joycee his wife. They were married in April 1947, welcomed their daughter Donna shortly after and moved to Tacoma in 1951 in search of opportunity with Joy's older brother Al.
Once in Tacoma, Dick & Joy expanded their family, welcoming two more children, Nancy & Rick. Dick found his professional home at at Slyter/Magnuson Furniture company, retiring as a Vice President in 1988. He was also incredibly successful in his recreational career, serving as the President of the Washington State Bowler's Association and being inducted into the American Bowling Conference National Hall of Fame. In their retired years, Dick & Joy were avid horse racing fans, owning a horse at one point, watching daily from their reserved seats on the Longacres finish line.
Dick & Joy moved to Arizona in 1995, enjoying many memorable years of going to the casino and meeting new friends. They were fixtures wherever they went, befriending many of the staff that became their family away from home.
Dick & Joy moved back to Washington in 2019 to round out their golden years and be closer to family. His health, wit and memories were completely in tact until the very end of his life. He passed peacefully on September 22, 2023 at the age of 96. He was the first to tell you that his life had been full and he was excited to go see 'grandma' again.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife Joy, son Rick and grandson Bryan (Robison). He is survived by his daughters Donna Gering (Steve) and Nancy Cruz. Additionally, he had a beloved group of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he was so proud to boast about to anyone who would listen.
We will all miss him terribly,
Dickie was part of the greatest generation. In his later years, he recognized and was most proud of being among the last living WWII veterans. A good man is gone, but we all feel so lucky to have had him for 96 years!
We will honor Dick’s life during a graveside service at Mountainview Cemetery on Tuesday, October 24 @1:30, with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you celebrate and support a veteran in your local community.”
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