Obituary of Orris Julian Keehr

ORRIS JULIAN KEEHR Born in Wauchope SK in 1922 the youngest of nine children, Orris passed away in Regina on Tuesday December 4, 2012 following a lengthy battle with Alzheimers disease. Predeceased by his daughter Peggy; five sisters and three brothers, Orris is survived by Marjorie, his loving wife and best friend of over 70 years; and his daughter Nancy Keehr (Jim Haskins) of Victoria BC; as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Orris grew up on the farm in the Wauchope area where he enjoyed gopher hunting and participated in all aspects of farm life. In later years he often told stories of the antics he engaged in with his brothers and sisters while growing up. Educated mostly through correspondence schooling, he attended Normal School in Regina during 1940 and taught school in Riceton prior to enlisting in the Canadian Army in October 1942. It was while attending Normal School that he joined the Baptist Young Peoples Union at First Baptist Church in Regina and met Marjorie whom he married in 1943. Orris went overseas in 1944 and participated with the South Saskatchewan regiment during the battle of Oranje Kanal (Holland) where he was wounded in 1945. Following his return to active service he helped with supervision and repatriation of captured German troops after the declaration of peace and returned to Canada in late 1945. Following his discharge from active military service in 1946, he continued to serve with the militia in the Royal Regina Rifles eventually commanding the regiment. He later assumed command of 20 Militia Group with the rank of Brigadier General. He retired to supplementary reserve in 1966 and later served the regiment as its Honourary Colonel. In 1946 he joined the London Life Insurance Company, later becoming the Branch Manager then the Regional Manager and finally the Western Canada Area Director. In 1997 he was honoured by the Company with installation as a member of the London Life Wall of Fame. He retired from his business life in 1987 and in 2000 was inducted into the MAIFAC Hall of Fame. Following retirement he continued to revel in the accomplishments of his warriors? wherever their careers had taken them. Orris always felt it important that he contribute to his community in a broad way and did so through his involvement and leadership in the following organizations. He enjoyed the challenges that were presented and especially enjoyed working with the wide variety of volunteers from each organization. Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program (Saskatchewan) President Executive Association of Regina President First Baptist Church Chairman, Building Committee Junior Achievers Association Member of the Founding Committee Life Insurance Managers Association Life Member Life Underwriters Association of Canada Saskatchewan Vice-President; Life Member Order of St John Knight of Grace; Life Member Queen City Kiwanis President; Founding Member Regina Convention Bureau Founding President Regina Hospitals Fund Chairman, Major Donors Committee Regina Humane Society Chairman, Fund Raising Committee; Life Member Regina Symphony Orchestra Vice Chairman Royal Commonwealth Society President Royal Regina Golf Club President; Life Member Salvation Army Member, Advisory Board; Life Member Saskatchewan Army Cadet League Founding President Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts Chairman of the Board Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce President Saskatchewan Parks & Recreation Association Chairman, Awards & Public Relations Saskatchewan Roughriders Chairman, Corporate Directors Committee University of Regina Member of the Senate Wascana 2 Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master; Past Master; 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Orris enjoyed many varied activities. He and Marjorie were often seen cross country skiing in Wascana Park or golfing at the Royal Regina Golf Club. For many winters they journeyed to Antigua (WI) where he was the talk of the beach? building a different sand castle or sculpture each day. He enjoyed skiing, music, was a patron of the arts and sought out just about any opportunity he could find to dance with Marjorie. While Orris was very proud of his military career, his involvement with the militia, his business achievements and his participation in and leadership of a significant number of community and charitable organizations he was particularly proud of his two daughters, Peggy and Nancy, and their academic and business achievements. A Memorial Service for Orris will be held at First Baptist Church, 2241 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK on Monday, December 10, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. Interment in Regina Memorial Gardens. The family respectfully decline floral memorials and ask that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Memorial Fund of First Baptist Church, 2241 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 0S4 or to a charity of the donors choice. Special thanks to the staff of the Veterans Ward in Wascana Rehab for their care and support. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com