Denis Orton

Denis George Orton, 89, passed away on August 16th, 2025, at his home in James City County, Virginia. He was born on October 15th, 1935, in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, England, and immigrated to the United States in 1965. He lived a life marked by scientific curiosity, creativity, adventure, humor, and family devotion.

Denis earned his PhD in chemistry from Leeds University and built a distinguished career as a research chemist with Sodyeco, BASF, and finally as an international consultant. His work focused on developing sun-resistant textile dyes and pigments.

Beyond the laboratory, Denis was a man of many creative passions. He was a prolific potter with particular success in raku ceramics. He brought his scientific mind to art and created and methodically tested his own glazes and firing methods. He also enjoyed painting, photography, jewelry-making, woodworking, and home improvement. He was a lifelong appreciator of classical music and theater and enjoyed English country dancing. An admirer and cultivator of the beauty of the outdoors, Denis enjoyed gardening and planted hundreds of daffodils each fall. Denis also enjoyed what he called "medieval housewifery," including beer brewing, bread making, beekeeping, and meat smoking.

Denis was often pursuing adventure and was a bit of a thrill seeker. He taught his children and coached high school and college fencing and introduced his children and grandchildren to archery. He enlisted his grandchildren as his assistants in chemistry experiments and manufacturing homemade fireworks. He enjoyed boating, including sailing, rowing, and canoeing. He built his grandchildren swing sets and even a zipline, always testing them himself first, for safety, or so he said. He loved to travel with his family.

Denis shared 65 years of loving marriage with Maureen Bridge Orton, who survives him. Together, they raised three children: Mark Christopher Orton, Susan Elizabeth Orton Field, and Barbara Jean Orton. He is also remembered affectionately by his daughter-in-law Sandra Lee Harris; son-in-law William Hill Field VI; grandchildren Andrew Robert Mathes, Bellenda Jane Mathes, Elizabeth Madeleine Orton Field, and Victoria Maria Orton Field; and great-grandson Caspian Loki Mathes Boynton.

Denis was predeceased by his brothers Arthur Orton and Philip Orton, as well as by his infant son Andrew Orton.

Always a scientist, Denis donated his body to the Virginia State Anatomical Program for the education of others, so he is currently engaged in his last scientific endeavor.

A gathering in his memory will be held at his home in Williamsburg at a date to be determined.

Donations in his honor may be made to the Nature Conservancy.

May Denis's memory bring comfort to all who knew him and inspiration for those who follow in his footsteps.