Orin Edward Kaupanger

My heart feels heavy. The summer of '65, fast action pinochle, board games that we all hated, drinking beer on the old reservation, swimming at the dam. I also remember when Orin came home, (Dave, thanks for loaning Orin your car that night and for the trip to Reno). I will always hold tight to the memories of Orin in his younger days. I am sure that there was a reunion of John, Stanley and Billy when Orin reached his final home.

Things you will miss....your family and friends, pizza and cards at gramma's, winning at cards and giving guff to the people you beat, getting guff from the people who beat you, cutting wood for anyone who needed it, cutting Christmas trees, especially for Liz and Shannon when they could't decide which trees to get after five hours or so traipsing through the woods, making sure all the knives are sharp, having a beer at Half Time with the 3:00 crowd, backyard BBQ's, hunting mushrooms and...

Dear Brother Orin,

Almost a month since you left us. Still doesn't seem real. Your children really miss you, Mom's heart is broken, David misses you, I really miss that dry humor and your "it is what it is" attitude. I so appreciate that you were my brother. I vividly remember when you came home from Germany, after being discharged from the Army. I walked into the house after school and you jumped out from behind the wood stove and I was so excited and surprised to see you that I got a...

I have had the pleasure of being around Kaupangers for most of my life. Starting with being pals with Wayne, a scout of Earls, and borrowing a few beers from Hank. I have known Orin for all of those years and even worked with him back in the early 80's, in Alaska chipping away at the frozen tundra and ice fishing for Burbot. I have always enjoyed him and couldn't wait to see him again on yearly visits just to hear "The things you see when you don't have a gun". I have had the fortune of...

I'm glad I got to meet Orin when Nancy and I came up for Claudia's wedding.

My condolences to the rest of the family.

Memories that will fade and dim, but still be held dear -

"Oh, pretty good 'n you?"... eyes the color of a summer sky... peeling blue & white Chevy pickup...well-worn work boots with a flat tan sole...squinting into the barbecue with smoke curling up around his face... Miller Lite...unhurried deliberate heel to toe stride... dirty, comfortable ball cap (a clean one for special occasions)...trimmed white beard that he stroked from jaw to chin... plaid flannel shirts... Ben Davis...

I knew cousin Orin as young boy and later as an old man, and found him always insightful and fun to be around. I'm sure he is still hunting, fishing, and cooking somewhere and won't need a license for any of that anymore.

Cousin Orin, one-of-a-kind, you showed us all what-for. Thanks for being so very much you, Cousin -- for your generosity and steadfastness, your love for your family and friends, all under that cap and beard. We'll miss you!

My Father was a gift to this world and a blessing to all that knew him. I am so lucky to be his daughter. He showed patience, perseverance, and love always. He is greatly missed by all. I love you. Rest in peace.