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Bill Orton Obituary
Juab County Sheriff Alden Orme told The Associated Press that Orton died almost immediately of his injuries about 4 p.m. Saturday.
Orton, a Democrat, was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 1997. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for Utah governor in 2000.
Orme said Orton was riding alone when his all-terrain vehicle crested a sand dune and the machine crashed, flipping over on him.
His body was taken by ambulance to Central Valley Medical Center in Nephi. An autopsy is pending.
Orton, who was wearing a helmet, was among thousands of four-wheel enthusiasts at the popular park, "a fun but dangerous place to ride," the sheriff said.
"Out there, it's a lot of rolling hills. He went off a sand dune without realizing how far down he was going," he said.
Injuries are common. Orme said several other riders Saturday were involved in crashes or collisions, and more than two dozen were injured last weekend, when five had to be airlifted by medical helicopters to hospitals.
Former Utah Gov. Michael Leavitt, a Republican, said in a statement that he joins the state of Utah in mourning the death of Orton, who he met nearly 40 years ago.
"Outside the glare of politics I had occasions to observe him as a missionary, father, husband and lawyer. He did them all in a noble and gentlemanly way," said Leavitt.
Leavitt served as Utah's governor from 1993 to 2003 and defeated Orton in his bid for the governorship in 2000.
University of Utah law professor Scott Matheson, a Democratic figure who knew Orton well, called his death "shocking and tragic."
"Bill was very smart and capable. He was a dedicated public servant and continued to have much public service to offer," Matheson said. "Voters in the most Republican district in the country thought so much of his talents that they elected him as a Democrat to Congress three times. He worked hard and effectively on their behalf."
Orton is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn, and two sons, Will and Wes.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Jacquelyn and the Orton children at this difficult time," Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said in a statement late Saturday.
"He was a dedicated public servant who worked to serve his constituents to the very best of his ability. He loved his family greatly and he also loved our wonderful state. He will be missed by many for his knowledge and experience, including me," Hatch said.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
30 Entries
Caryl Scott
November 19, 2013
My sister and I met congressman Orton and his family on an airplane flight to Utah after attending President Obama's first inauguration. They were very nice people. I pray that Mrs. Orton and her sons are doing well today.
(Psalm 89:48) What able-bodied man is there alive who will not see death?
Monica ~John 5:28,29
May 2, 2010
To the family of Bill Orton,
I am deeply saddened for the loss you and your family have suffered. I’ve often found comfort from reading the Bible and I’m writing to share an important thought with you. You would no doubt agree that regardless of our background, we all face many of the same difficulties in today’s world; one being the death of a loved one.
Many have been told that God “takes” our loved ones, but that is not true. We were born in a system in which everyone- both the good and the bad -eventually dies, Ecclesiastes 9:5~ “For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten.” But God “yearns” to reunite our loved ones to us by means of the resurrection, and lovingly has made provision to do so, Job 14:14-15~ “If an able-bodied man dies can he live again? All the days of my compulsory service I shall wait, Until my relief comes. You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning.” Please pray for one another during this sad time.
July 16, 2009
Dear Orton Family,
Remember Elder Orton from his missionary days in Lebanon, Oregon. Deep sympathy to your family.
Denise Barrett, Las Cruces, NM
Ana Gonzalez
July 15, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I worked as an Intern at his office in DC in 1994 he was a good person. You and your family will be in my prayers.
How you can show support
girlie simpkins
May 5, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Sara
April 25, 2009
My you find comfort in family and friends,
God promise that he will wipe out every tear from our eyes in death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
Caroll Ervin
April 23, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathie Lee
April 23, 2009
I send my heartfelt condolences to the Orton family. May Our Father In Heaven confort you and ease your grief.
April 23, 2009
Miss Jacquelyn, Will and Wes:
I was saddened to learn of Bill's death on 4-19-2009. I remember when Bill ran for Congressman in Utah's 3rd District in November 1990. My late wife and I voted for Bill every time he ran for office. We thought the world of you all and loved you all dearly. On January 2009, I talked to Bill and invited you all to ride with me in the 'DAYS OF 47 PARADE' in my late wife's antique car. I was thrilled when you all accepted my offer. I sure enjoyed talking to Bill. He was fun and pleasant to talk to. I sure will miss him. Miss Jacquelyn, when I talked to you all on 4-19-2009, I was thrilled that you all and your family are still riding with me in the 'DAYS OF 47 PARADE' on 7-24-2009. I am very honored. I will make sure that you and your family have a wonderful day. I am dedicating that day as 'BILL ORTON DAY'. I will remember you and your family in my prayers.
John Lee, Bluffdale, Utah
Dennis Chamberlain
April 22, 2009
I was truly saddened to learn of Bill Orton's untimely passing. I grew up with Bill in North Ogden and remember Bill, his Brother Kent and Sister Tana, as well as his good parents Don and Carol Orton. They were a good family and Bill has made very signficant contributions to the State and Nation as a US Congressman for Utah during his three terms in the United States House of Representatives. We are all the better for having known him and been the grateful receiptants of his life of public service. We, (The Verle Barker Family), send our deepest sympathies and condolence to Bill's wife and children and the extended Orton Family. May our Heavenly Father bless and sustain you during this time is our prayer. Dennis and Robert Chamberlain, Linda Barker-Brown, Karen Barker-Koncar, Denice Barker and Karla Barker-Porter. Sincerely, Dennis Chamberlain
Dennis Herald
April 22, 2009
Bill and I were in a BYU singles ward together in 1984 where he served as EQ pres and later in the bishopric. I was able to observe his loving loyalty to the Lord and the Church. I moved to Florida that year and a few years later dropped in to see Bill. He was excited about the home gym he was about to buy. When he told me he was going to run for congress ...AND... as a democrat, I was a bit shocked and told him so. He said, "Dennis, I know, but if I run as a democrat and win, I can really make a difference in the Democratic party." Well, to me, that is Bill Orton. He always presented himself as a man with great integrity and honor. I mourn his loss and my prayers are with the family in this unexpected, terrible time. May God bless and comfort you all!
k c
April 22, 2009
Sorry for your loss
Scott
April 22, 2009
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Ortons passing. May you find comfort in God's promise to bring an end to sickness and death forever.
Lisa Plowman Dolensky
April 22, 2009
Jacquelyn- Stumbling upon this is completely Godincidence. Had not heard. I was on legacy to sign for a long time friend of my mom's and was not aware of this devastation so abruptly occurring in your life. I am so very sorry beyond words. Praying for you and your precious children. May all your senses be attuned to the ways God and His angels will reach out to you. Hugs,Lisa Plowman Dolensky (From UA & Miss Alabama days)
William B. Orton, Sr.
April 21, 2009
Jacquelyn, Will and Wes,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort
Bernie Ripper
April 21, 2009
It is with deep regrret that we heard of Bill's untimely death. Both I, former Mayer of Kanab, Bernie Ripper and wife Dorothy do send our prayers for the family.
We worked with Bill in Kane Count from 1991-to 1993 when my term expried..
Thank you Bill for all your help.
God Bless your family.
EX-Mayor, Bernie and Dorotht Ripper
Jan Causey-Battles
April 21, 2009
Jacqueline, Will & Wes,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Henryk Zaleski
April 21, 2009
Rest in peace.
LEISSA RATCLIFFE
April 20, 2009
I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSE, I KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO GIVE UP A LOVED ONE: BUT REMEMBER , GOD NEVER CLOSES A WINDOW THAT HE DOSE NOT OPEN A WINDOW; IN OUR HEART !!! LOVE AND PRAYERY LEISSA RATCLIFFE
Carol Gressel
April 20, 2009
Bill baptized me in 1968 in Portland, Oregon. After his mission, he continued to be a good friend to my family for many years. I pray for his family and especially Jacquelyn, Wes and Will.
David A. Burgoyne
April 20, 2009
Please accept my thoughts and prayers at this time of raw grief.
MERVIN &BARB MILLS
April 20, 2009
TO THE FAMILY:
We are so sorry for your tragic loss and offer our sincere condolences. May the "GOD of comfort be with you" to help you with the hurt you feel of your husband and father. 2 COR 1:3,4
Beverly Good
April 20, 2009
May the Orton family find comfort and peace from a wise and loving Heavenly Father.
Daniels
April 20, 2009
We send our heartfelt condolences to the Orton family. May "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort," ease your grief.
Karen reed
April 20, 2009
I'm sorry to here of your loss.
D. ZIMMERMAN
April 19, 2009
TO YOUNGE TO GO, REST IN PEACE , BILL
AARON O'DWYER
April 19, 2009
I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HERE ABOUT THE DEATH IN YOUR FAMILY YOUR FAMILY IS IN MY PRAYERS AT THIS TIME OF NEED
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