Grace Orr was born to Robert Dudley and Lydia Grace Bovill in Homebrook Manitoba. She was the middle of two sisters, Kaye Freeman and Lynn Thomas. Her early years were spent in Davis Point then Portage La Prairie before moving to Vancouver shortly before the start of World War 2. It was in Vancouver that she met Robert Orr who worked as an aircraft mechanic in the RCAF, along with her father. He introduced the two and they were married October 26, 1946.
Their first child, Bobby, was born in 1949. At that time they were living in a veteran’s housing apartment in Kitsilano. Shortly after Bob bought a vacant lot in the University Endowment Lands and built a house that was Grace’s home until her death. Bruce was born in 1952, Linda in 1955 and Marianne followed much later in 1966. Grace was a loving and dedicated grandmother to 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She was surrounded by her large, loving family during her last week.
Grace was an avid golfer and belonged to both Musqueam Golf Club and Shadow Mountain in Palm Desert. Grace also belonged to the Ridge Bowling League and Saint Anselm’s Church. She and Bob were avid boaters and members of the RVYC. Much of the spring, summer and fall was spent on board the Owaissa, which Bob had built specifically for his family in 1989. To this day the Owaissa is seen on the BC coast, basically between the Gulf Islands , Desolation Sound and as far north as Hakai Pass.
Winters were spent in Palm Desert. Bob had started going to Palm Springs as a young boy and this tradition was continued when they bought a winter home in Palm Desert. To this day the house has been filled with Bob’s and Grace’s friends and family.
The family would like to thank the dedicated and caring Dr. Brad Fritz, nurse Mali and the wonderful caregivers from Evergreen Nursing Services, Feli, Jane, Ann, Dorothy, Rosalie, Fran, Margaret and Nevenka.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest that donations in her honour could be made to Youth Education Farms @ www.youtheducationfarms.com or Covenant House.
She will be sorely missed and long remembered by all who knew her and enjoyed her gentle wit and graceful way.