At the age of 74 he moved to Ava to be near his kids Orrin Paul Williams was born June 5, 1919, to James and Etta Williams, in Delta, Colo., and left this life on Oct. 10, 2006, due to injuries sustained in a horse accident at Ava.
Having been born and raised near the Colorado Rockies he began his lifelong love for horses, which was second only to the love for his wife, Irene Garrett. They were united forever on Jan. 22, 1940. He was a well-respected horseman and cattle rancher, with his opinion being sought after until the day of his parting.
In Colorado, Orrin worked as a cattleman and rancher, at several feedlots, the Sleeping Indian Ranch, and then managed the Chimney Peak Ranch for over 26 years. His grandson, Jim, makes his home up on Chimney Peak Ranch in Ridgeway, Colo.
When Orrin reluctantly retired at the age of 74, he moved to Ava to be near “his kids.” Regardless of where he made his home, he was an active and involved member of the community and always the first to volunteer when needed so he could lend a helping hand wherever needed. He could be counted on in any circumstance to help wherever, whenever, and however he could.
Orrin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Irene, his daughter and only child, Dena “Kay” Blankmeyer, of Ava, four brothers, Claude, Lawrence, Hershal and Hubert, and five sisters, Ethel, Alta, Marie, Faye, and Lucille.
For 63 years Orrin was married to Irene and they were blessed with only one child, but this child gave them five grandchildren.
He is survived by Kevin Blankmeyer, of Boise, Idaho, Kimberly Maggard and husband Eddie, and Trisha Schaeffer, all of Ava, James Blankmeyer and wife Becky, Ridgeway, Colo., and Derek Blankmeyer, Salt Lake City, Utah; 12 great-grandchildren, Dena Blankmeyer, Danny Maggard, Kate Blankmeyer, Jordan Blankmeyer, Sydney Schaeffer, Joel Blankmeyer, Calli Schaeffer, Deanne Blankmeyer, Jacob Blankmeyer, Garrett Maggard, Cody Blankmeyer and Jaycee Blankmeyer; and one great-great-grandson, Austin Maggard. He is also survived by one sister, Fern Loper, Downey, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews across the United States.
Always young at heart, Orrin lived for his grandchildren.
Visitation will be held today (Thursday, Oct. 12) from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava.
The family is taking “Grandpops” home to Colorado to be with “Grammie.” Services in Colorado are tentatively set for Monday, Oct. 16, in a church in Ridgeway. Interment will follow in the Delta City Cemetery, Delta, Colo.
The family has requested memorials to Grandpops’ favorite charity, The Boys Ranch, in care of the funeral home. Local arrangements are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
