Wallace Sherman Orcutt

It is with great sorrow to announce that Wallace Sherman Orcutt, 84, a longtime resident of La Grande, Oregon and enrolled tribal member for the Karuk Tribe of California passed away on March 10, 2024 in Yreka, California.
Wally was born on December 19, 1939 in Yreka to Alvin Orcutt Sr. and Bessie Orcutt (Bennett) of Forks of Salmon, CA. He was raised in Forks of Salmon. Wally graduated from Happy Camp High School in 1958, then joined the United States Air Force where he became an Air Force Police Officer and served honorably for 4 years.
In 1962, Wally married the love of his life Wanda Lee Johnson in Happy Camp, California where they had five children, three of which were Wallace's stepchildren whom he raised as his own: Brenda Stroud Flowers, Clinton Alvis Stroud, Sherri Lynn Stroud Patereau, Melody Faith Orcutt Hayden and Stephanie Faye Orcutt.
After the wedding, Wally went to work as a surveyor for the United States Forest Service and attended trade school and held several interesting positions which include McCullough Corporation in Southern California as a computer programmer and security officer. He then relocated his family to La Grande, Oregon where he was a longtime resident and respected by the community. Wally started his long-held career for the Union Pacific Railroad in La Grande, beginning on the maintenance of way crew called "The Gang" and worked his way up to conductor where he retired after 25 years. Wally enjoyed his career with the Union Pacific Railroad and would often share stories of his experiences. He was an inspiration to all and always made everyone laugh with his one-liners and jokes.
In his free time, Wally enjoyed camping in Sumpter, Oregon, where his whole family and close friends gathered around a big bonfire for memorial weekend celebrations every year. Wally enjoyed cutting down trees for the fire with his family and also enjoyed watching his grandkids ride their bikes and ATV's. Another favorite activity was going mushroom hunting with his wife and many grandchildren along with their dogs. There wasn't a place that did not include his beloved German Shepherds. His canine companions were near and dear to him, to name a few: Liz, Tippa, Suzie, Ishpook, Leo, Kemesh are walking alongside with him now.
In his formative years he liked to hunt deer, elk and enjoyed fishing with his family. Wally had many other hobbies, most memorable are fixing tv's and radios for the community and for the family but most importantly, he enjoyed dancing to Elvis Presley with his beautiful wife, Wanda.
Wally is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Orcutt Sr., Bessie Orcutt (Bennett) and his brother, Butch Orcutt (Alvin Orcutt Jr.,) his sisters, Arlene Stewart and Gloria Turley and his son "Bubba" Clinton Stroud and great-great grandchild, Adalia Rodriquez. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Orcutt and daughters Brenda Flowers, Sherri Patereau, Melody Hayden and Stephanie Orcutt.
Wally leaves behind many nieces and nephews and numerous grandchildren which include: Jered Huff, Dena Jones, Dale Flowers, Kadon Flowers, Ashlynn Stroud, Sheena Carroll, Alex Carroll, Leah Patereau, Stephanie Trumbull, Micheal Hayden, Jacob Kuperus, Clinton Kuperus, Angelica Ritter-Nothiger, David Ritter, Kara Mendenhall; and great grandchildren to include Lakoda Huff, Kenai Huff, Lillian Doolittle, Mya Doolittle, Elijah Trumbull, Roman Trumbull, Miakoda Trumbull, Kristina Hayden, Kaetlyn Hayden, Kaiden Hayden, Aniyah Hayden, James Hayden, Chenoa Rodriguez, Etchemin Ritter, Kotori Ritter, Riken Ritter, Codyn Krajewski, Carli Ritter and great-great grandchild Axiel Rodriguez.
Wally left us all with lasting memories and full hearts. He was smart, funny, kind and loved his family with all of his heart. We will never have to wonder what a life well-lived looks like because that is exactly what he showed us. Wally's legacy lives on through the love and memories shared by his family and friends. His jokes, his laughter, and the lessons he imparted remain with us, guiding us to take care of each other, to be strong, and to maintain our sense of humor through life's challenges.
Those who knew Wally are invited to a celebration of life to be held on May 24th, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Calvary Chapel of La Grande, 1433 Jefferson Avenue, La Grande, Oregon 97850. Afterwards family and friends are welcome to join us the at Riverside Pavilion, 3501 N Spruce St. La Grande to share in fond memories of Wally.