John Orr

1946 - 2015

John Yancey Orr
July 28, 1946 - December 3, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce that our "big brother," John Yancey Orr, lost his battle with Parkinson's Plus on December 3rd, 2015.  John was born on July 28th, 1946, in Newman, California.  He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth E. Orr, and mother, Sarah H. Orr (Yancey). John is survived by brothers Stephen Y. Orr (and Katy Driver), Joel Y. Orr (and Christine Fancher), nephews Phillip, Andrew, and Shane Orr, and cousins Judy Orr Sahm, Robin Yancey, and Tom Yancey.  He was a sixth generation Californian.
John had many interests.  He was an avid rail fan.  He was proud to be the grandson of John W. Orr, the Southern Pacific agent at the Newman depot for 49 years.  He enjoyed modern railroading and pursued the subject through photography and video.  One of his great youthful adventures was hopping a freight train in Roseville with his good friend Rod Dias and then traveling on a flatbed rail car across the Sierras, right through Donner Pass.  You could not do that today. In recent years he had gotten his amateur radio license and developed many new friendships within the local radio association. John enjoyed meteorology and looked forward to calls from his buddy Mark Lemmons as they discussed the longterm weather outlook.  John also maintained an interest in space and aviation science and technology.  John was a sixties hot rod car boy.  He enjoyed his 56 Chevy Bel Air back in the day, with a number of blacktop races on country roads. .  His current fast car was a 97 Chevy Camaro Z28 Anniversary edition.  He enjoyed Graffiti Nights in Modesto, with a cruise to the A&W.  As a devoted Niners fan, we were sorry John missed the Sunday overtime, long bomb victory over the Bears. We know John will always be remembered as a caring person, and a good friend to others.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the dedicated visiting caregivers from Provident Health Care in Modesto as well as those from Optimal Hospice.  We know that as much as John appreciated the caring help provided, his caregivers considered John to be a pleasure to get to know.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.  The family will hold a private gathering some time during the New Year.
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