Robert Orr

Robert Orr, 70, died February 18, 2010, at the Benedictine Living Center, Garrison. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Jake Kincaid officiating. Burial will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Robert C. “Bob” Orr was born on October 28, 1939, in Bismarck, ND, the son of Dr. August and Doris Curry Orr. Bob was raised and attended schools in Bismarck where he graduated from BHS in 1957. As a child, Bob’s aptitude and gifts for music became apparent and he excelled in playing piano. As an eight-year-old he was featured on the KFYR radio weather program, “What’s the Weather,” playing the piano. His talents extended to playing violin and organ, in addition to composing music. He also sang in numerous choirs throughout the area. As an 11-year-old boy, Bob composed a song simply titled the “Christmas Carol” which caught the ear of his choral teacher and was then sung for many years by the High School and Bismarck Junior College. A highlight of his college days at Macalester College in St. Paul was when he served as an understudy to Georgio Tozzi, a bass singer with the New York’s Metropolitan Opera Company. While still in college, Bob began working for a collection agency and later started his own company. He was also very active in volunteering with the American Red Cross. Bob faced health problems throughout his life, having had polio as a child. In later years, his declining health led to him moving to the Benedictine Living Center. It was there that Bob found the comforts of home and he and his friends deeply appreciated the care he received. It was also there, where he rekindled his music, and played organ for the residents at their daily chapel. The center, in appreciation of Bob’s musical contributions, honored Bob with ‘Bob Orr Day.’ Bob was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he sang in the choir since age 14, and also played in the bell choir. Bob is survived by several cousins and many good friends, including, Stan and Alice Halling. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Robert Orr

April 28, 1939 - February 18, 2010