Hoodland resident Bill VanOrsow, died in Sandy on July 5, 2009. He was 83.
A gathering in his memory will be held at a later date.
William Ralph VanOrsow was born to Martin Thomas and Nellie Theodora (Donkers) VanOrsow on March 30, 1926 in Faribault, Minnesota. He began his education in Minnesota and in 1936, his family moved to Oregon where he continued his schooling at Sherwood. When he was 15, he left home to work on a horse ranch in Wyoming, then hitch-hiked to Spokane, Washington where worked for a circus and carnival. This job took him to Playland Beach in California where he ran the ferris wheel and flirted with the ladies.
In 1944 he joined the Merchant Marines serving for 6 years aboard the Sea Star, during the Invasion of Okinawa. In 1952, he was drafted into the US Army, to serve in the Korean War. While in the Army, he earned his GED and taught Map 8 in Officer Candidate School. After his discharge in 1954, he went to work for Union Pacific Railroad as a Fireman and later as an Engineer, retiring in 1987.
On October 29th, 1956 he married Illomay Duff in Stevenson, Washington. They lived in Portland and Damascus where they raised their family. After retiring, they moved to their home on the Sandy River.
Bill was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed passing on his love for the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. He was an active member of the Mt. Hood Lions Club.
Surviving are his wife, Illomay; daughters, Chris McLane of Beaverton and Vicki Kelly of Portland; son Dan VanOrsow of Sandy; brother, Jim VanOrsow of Jacksonville; sister, Jean Opray of Prineville; 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Memorials can be made to the Mt. Hood Lions Club or Alzheimer’s Association.