Randy J. Orr

With a carefree and positive attitude, Randy Orr approached life as the ultimate adventure. He always found something in life to be excited about, and it was hard for those around him not to be captivated by his energetic and outgoing personality. Randy knew without a doubt what life was all about - learning, laughing, loving and helping other people do the same.

Randy Joseph Orr was born on November 5, 1966, at Pipp Hospital in Plainwell, Michigan, to proud parents, Joseph and Barbara (Wilkins) Orr. The oldest of their five children, Randy brought great happiness to his parents, and undoubtedly filled the Orr house with lots of laughter, arguments and memories with his four younger siblings: twins, Dawn and Dian, Ron and Christie.

An active child with a boatload of energy, Randy lived life to the fullest from his earliest moments. He enjoyed a happy childhood growing up in Martin, where he attended St. Margaret's Catholic School and Martin High School. Randy was athletic his whole life and there wasn't a sport he didn't try. He was also in his high school band, playing drums and tuba. However, Randy enjoyed band more for the social events and band camp, not to mention the great fun he had with his sister, Dawn, in the back row of band. Randy had brawn and brains! He was very creative and every year his class used his plans for building the homecoming float, which was built of course at the Orr's house.

One of Randy's most endearing qualities even as a child was his compassion and generosity for others. This made him a great fit for the Boy Scouts, where he earned his Eagle Scout Order of the Arrow Award, and also volunteered as counselor at Camp Gerber during this junior and senior year of high school. After graduating from Martin High in 1985, Randy went on to attend Ferris State University, where he played football. While attending FSU Randy began to work on his cheerleading skills. Randy quickly learned the sport and became part of the DCA (Dynamic Cheerleader Association) where he and his twin sisters had the opportunity to travel across the country hosting cheer camps. His new found talent didn't stop there; after a year, he transferred to the University of Missouri in Kansas City to cheer and he went on to cheer professionally for the Kansas City Chiefs. In 1988, Randy returned to Michigan and enrolled in classes at Grand Valley State University, and joined their cheer team. While in college, he worked as a caregiver at Residential Opportunities Inc., which helped people with mental and physical disabilities. His kind deeds and selfless actions spoke volumes of his character.

Randy put his passion for cheering to work by becoming a competitive cheer coach. He had truly found his calling and there was nothing more rewarding to Randy than seeing the impact he had on kids. Whether it was a sports team or an individual, there was nothing that meant more to him than bringing out the best in every person he coached. Randy loved the underdogs! Over the next several years, Randy coached at Martin High School, Forest Hills Northern High School, East Kentwood High School, Grand Valley State University, and Lake Michigan Catholic High School, where he helped the girls to achieve seven State Championships. He also coached softball at Martin and Plainwell High Schools. In addition to coaching, Randy was a seminar instructor for MHSAA, a judge at the State level and Regional Coach of the Year for 2006-2007. Randy was also a member of TourneySport USA where he served as Director of the Cheerleading Competition and Assistant Director to his father for fast-pitch softball in Hawaii.

In 2002, Randy completed his Bachelor's degree and earned his teaching certificate. He then began teaching Geography at Bloomingdale High School, and naturally took on coaching cheerleading and softball. In spite of his busy sports schedule, Randy always found time to help others. He looked for the best in all of his students and fostered the positive aspects each had to offer.

When it came to his social life, Randy had a large circle of friends he enjoyed hanging out with. They took many camping trips together to Pokagon State Park in Angola, Indiana, and Randy liked to venture into Chicago for the exciting night life. Above all, though, Randy found great happiness in the presence of his family, whom he loved dearly. He fostered an especially close bond with his Grandpa Wilkins, and enjoyed doting on his many nieces and nephews, giving each of them his own special nickname. Randy liked to impart some of his adventurous spirit onto his mom, and tried often to get her to join him on some crazy escapade. His mother was also one of his partners in crime. Although Randy was fearless himself, he was constantly worried about or caring for his family and friends.

Randy's life was full of energy and excitement, yet, he had a fierce battle still ahead of him. About two years ago, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, and underwent intensive treatment. True to his nature, Randy was always worrying about how his ordeal would affect his family, friends and students - never mind himself. Randy was raised Catholic, and during these trying times, he turned to his faith for strength. He started going to church at St. Stanislaus in Wayland, and developed a passion for reading the Bible. Last spring, after Randy found out he was in remission, he took a once in a lifetime trip to Ireland, and eagerly awaited the start of the new school year (2006-07). Sadly, in August, he found out his cancer was back, and he went back into treatment. More determined than ever, Randy kept teaching, planning his chemo treatments for Friday nights so it wouldn't disrupt his class. During this academic year, Randy also served as Junior Class Advisor. This particular class was extra special to him because they were the first class he taught in the beginning of his career. He was able to help them plan prom from home and even went to the prom to see all their hard work. His ultimate goal was to return to his classroom and continue to touch the lives of his students.

Although Randy will be deeply missed, his family and friends will cherish the memories of his smile, his enthusiasm, energy, love of adventure, and his successes. His incredibly kind heart made him the man people were proud to know.

Randy Joseph Orr, age 40 of Martin, MI, died on May 26, 2007, at his parent's home after a courageous battle with cancer. Visit with Randy's family on Wednesday, May 30, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, RDMG, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 31, at 11:00 a.m. at Gun Lake Community Church, 12200 West M-179, Wayland.

Members of Randy's family include his parents, Joe & Barb Orr; his siblings and their spouses: Dawn & Shannon Overbeek of Hamilton, Dian & Marty Martens of Wayland, Ron & Tonya Orr of Allegan, Christie & Frank Robinson of Plainwell; his nieces & nephews: Jacquelynn, Elizabeth, Veronica, Melinda, Trey, Cassidy, KayeLee, Taylor, Joey, Jake, Taryn, Samantha, Jaylyn, Vannessa and Trammel. He was also loved by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, his dog, Piper, his goddaughter, Katie, his closest friend, Dave Spruit, and many priceless friends. Please visit Randy's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo of him or sign his online guest book online before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Michigan Cancer Center or in the spirit of Randy's generosity, please donate blood at your local blood bank.