Obituary of John Orr

John Graham Brook Orr September 28, 1929 - March 5, 2012 It is with extreme sadness that we announce the death of John Graham Brook Orr. John was born in Johannesburg, South Africa to Eileen van Niekirk and Col. Jack Orr. John is survived by his broken-hearted wife, Deanne Madelyn, of 43 years, and stepdaughter Kimberly Murray (David). John is also survived, and will be missed, by many cousins in England, the Childs, Vallings and Windsor-Aubrey families, and in Australia, the Packer family. His in-laws in Scottsdale, Arizona and San Francisco, California, the Pearsons, Feinbergs and Johnsons will miss him greatly. Whatever their age, all called him Uncle John with great affection. John was educated in boarding schools in South Africa and Scotland, and continued his education in England. His life-long passion for golf began at the august grounds of St. Andrews in Scotland when he was just a boy. In retirment he spent many happy times refining his magnificent swing as a member of the Scarboro Golf and Country Club. Winters in Naples, Florida allowed him to pursue his favourite sport for most of the year. John was also a member of the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club. John joined a family paper company in England before responding to his sense of adventure, which drew him to Canada in 1953. He began his life-long career in the business publishing industry in Montreal and Toronto. In 1969 he met Deanne in California and in 1970 she and her daughter Kimberly, then 14, came to Canada to start a new life with John. He became a stepfather at 41, something he knew little about, but took very seriously. John and Deanne traveled the world widely and made life-long friends wherever they went. Their friends were an important part of their lives and they cherished their love and support. John's was a buoyant spirit. He had great curiosity and humour. Always ready with a quick retort or hearty laugh, he loved to tease mercilessly and be teased back. He was a gentleman, a fair and honest man with a warm smile and loved by all who knew him well. He was loved for his patience, kindness and generosity of spirit and especially his exquisite sense of humour. At John's request, there will be no service following cremation. His family will host a celebration of John's life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation, Legacy for Life Program, R. Fraser Elliott Building, 5th Floor 5S-801, 190 Elizabeth Street, Toronto M5G 2C4 in John's memory. The family would like to thank the 13th floor, Eaton Wing nursing staff for the exceptionally sensitive and efficient care they provided in the last 2 weeks of John's life. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.