Samuel Orlich

Orlich, Samuel
80, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on April 25, 2011. Sam was born in Chisholm Minnesota to Sam and Dora Orlich. Sam played basketball and football for Chisholm High School, graduating in 1948. He attended Northwestern University and graduated from University of Minnesota where he played football and was a heavyweight boxing star. Sam joined the Air Force, became a commissioned officer and pilot, proudly serving his country in Cheyenne Wyoming and Anchorage Alaska. He moved to Arizona in 1959, which remained his home until his death. Sam loved to bike, run and play basketball with the "Serbian Suns". He loved Arizona and never wanted to live anywhere else, but travel was his passion. Sam spent many months over the years traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Belize. He also traveled throughout New Zealand, Australia and Europe, especially Yugoslavia, where both his parents were born. Sam was a loving and nurturing father, who always cared more for his family and friends than himself. Sam is survived by the love of his life Donna Orlich, his daughter Danelle Orlich and her husband David Martinez, his son Brad Orlich and his wife Darla, 4 grandchildren Daimler, Dasan, Chase and Cupcake, and his loving siblings Euphemia Orlich Zahringer, Eugenia Orlich Hartig, Daniel Orlich, and Michael Orlich, also many nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial Services will be held at Messinger Mortuary 7601 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale Arizona 85251 on Tuesday May 3, 2011 beginning 10:30 AM with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sam's name to the Air Force Aid Society.