David William Orriss

A donation has been made to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation. Message from the donator: In loving memory of David Orriss - he always cared for the animals.

A donation has been made to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation.

It’s hard to find the words to describe what Uncle Dave meant to me. From the earliest moments of my life, I remember him as a man of incredible warmth, grace, kindness and dedication to family. As a hyperactive attention deficit child, not all adults could handle me, but Uncle Dave was like a human pacifier. Whether it was the warm blanket of his energy and voice, or all the cool things he was good at or interested in, he was one of the only adults in my life that had the ability and the patience to hold my attention. I’m so grateful to have had him as one of the most important role models in my life, because he is exactly the kind of man I want to be. I love you Uncle Dave. I’m heartbroken that you are gone, but so very grateful for having you in my life. I will miss you forever.

We are so sorry for your loss. Losing a father, grandfather and husband is incredibly painful. Pat, Marissa, Sophie and Grace please know you are in our thoughts during this difficult time. Love always Chuck, Luisa, Sam, Max and Marina Growden♥️

Uncle Dave, The last thing in my one on one text conversation with you is an unsent message that simply says "I love you Uncle Dave. Please keep trying." I know how hard you fought to get back to your life because I watched you do it. Even with all the health challenges, you were in Florida with Aunt Pat, you were at the cottage with all of us Orrinimers as well as your wonderful group of friends, you took Soph to Paris, and you were back to tinkering in the bunkie while Aunt Pat wondered what on earth you could possible be doing back there. You were the king of the BBQ again and you got your feet back in the Jupiter and Grand Bend sand. You were there watching the sunsets with all of us, you got to see 5 more years of graduations, summer jobs, boyfriends, birthdays and Christmases with your loving family. We got 5 more years of sunsets on the lawn, visits on the beach, family pot lucks with your delicious burgers, Aunt Shu's coleslaw and Jenny's ridiculous "pudge" instead of your Ma's fudge, as well as fireworks and family games nights filled with gales of laughter. Thank you so much for trying so hard that we got an extra five years of memories with you. Somehow we will all be so incredibly grateful for those years while also feeling that they will never be enough. They went by sickeningly fast. You leave behind a family who treasured every single moment - a wife who would have gone to the ends of the earth to look after you and help you get better, kids who adore you and grandchildren, a sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who all love you with all of their heart. I remember the very first time I met you - peeking through the stair railing at Belmoral to catch a glimpse of you in the kitchen; you and Aunt Pat arrived after I was supposed to be in bed. Your quiet, friendly warmth won me over immediately. You were always so loving and helpful to me, helping me out when I came to London to be a university student, installing deadbolts and fixing things. And you always kept an eye on the kids and I as a young mom alone at the cottage, helping with every kind of issue under the sun over the years. All your life, you were the kind of man that people could count on to always show up when there was a need, an old fashioned man. What I mean is, they don't often make men like you anymore: You were loving and protective, hardworking and resourceful and "good ENOUGH" was never "GOOD enough." You had a strong moral compass with honesty, kindness and integrity that was the same whether you were dealing with work at London Vending, your family at home, or your friends. You were a man of integrity and a most deeply devoted son - your mom was very lucky. You loved your family trees and histories, your group of incredible friends, your boats, your little red convertible, your camping trips, your ski trips, you scuba trips, your parade of wonderful and wonderfully lucky rescue pets, your Downton Abbey and your Follat novels. You were an interesting person with a lot of great stories to tell about the two families. You've always been so much more than just an uncle to me. You were someone who made me feel safe and protected, someone I knew I could count on and someone I could look up to. I have so many fun memories of everyone laughing at me when you taught me to waterski in what I was convinced were shark infested waters in Lake Huron - you guys all thought I was crazy looking behind me for that fin. But the best times for me were when you took me one on one in the sailboat. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I just loved it. Uncle Dave, I feel sick when I think of the cottage without you - it just won't be the same. I am grateful mostly for the extta time your grandchildren have had with you because at their age it matters so much - 5 years is the difference between remembering the person vaguely and really having the chance to create a relationship and precious memories. I can't believe you are gone. I wish you didn't have to go because Aunt Pat, Maris, Jess, and Lee will never be the same. It's so hard when you make us love you so much and then we have to try to live without you - all of us - your sisters, their families, my family, Jess's Laura, Nate and Jamie, Maris' Soph and Gracie, Lee's Sian, Monique and Pat, Dan and Lisa, Betty, poor Ellie; you've got a list I couldn't possibly do justice to here. I'm heartbroken Uncle Dave but I know you tried your best - for all of us. I love you and I'll miss you so much. xoxoxoxox Love Jenny

A donation has been made to Verspeeten Family Cancer centre. Message from the donator: Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Sending my love and prayers. With love, Debbie, Trevor, Joshua and Tyson Moore

My condolences to the Orriss family on the passing of David. I have many fond memories spending time with Dave and Pat's children at the home in London and family cottage in Grand Bend during the summer. Dave and family were always welcoming and full of adventure. So many wonderful memories. Rest in peace. Deepest sympathies to Pat, Marissa, Jesse and Lee.

Pat! You were a beautiful couple. I hope that the wonderful memories you shared will comfort you and help you during your life. With my deepest sympathy Love Janine

I have only lovely thoughts of this wonderful man who, along with Pat, was a neighbour for 23 years. He was such a generous spirit - kind, considerate, supportive - always there for family or friends, always tuned into needs. I picture his happy face on the driveway, loading the truck, taking his little car out for a spin or helping his mom or mom-in-law into the house for family dinners. Dave had an aura about him radiating a love of life. Everyone saw it. I will remember the sparkle in his eyes when he smiled. He smiled a lot.

Our family has been cottage neighbours of David, Patricia and family for many years. We will miss David's kind smile and offer our condolence for your loss.

From the moment we arrived on the Tamarack, Dave welcomed us with warmth and steady kindness. What began as a simple introduction quickly grew into a lasting friendship that spanned more than three decades. Whether through a friendly wave, a thoughtful conversation at the curb, or lending a helping hand without hesitation, Dave made our street feel less like a collection of houses and more like a true neighbourhood. He had a rare gift for fostering community, turning neighbours into lifelong friends who, over time, became woven into our family. There were countless shared memories: sunsets fading into Lake Huron, travels along Florida’s sunlit coast, and the small bursts of laughter that drifted across driveways. We will cherish these memories always. Dave’s presence was a steady and reassuring force, and his quiet generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Even after departing Tamarack, our connection to the Orriss family never wavered. Dave’s impact was not confined by distance. He continued to nurture the community he had helped forge, with an enduring commitment to the relationships he built. Tamarack will feel quieter in his absence, but the bonds he helped build will endure. We are better for having known him, and we will carry his spirit forward in how we care for one another. Dave, Thank you for being a dear friend and the kind of neighbour anyone would be fortunate to have. The Erratt Family

I worked for David for 24 years. I will always remember employee bbq's at the cottage and Christmas parties at the former Wonderland Gardens. I'm so glad I got a chance to visit with him and Marissa when he was in hospital. I will think of him often. R.I.P. David

Pat and family, I was so sorry to hear this sad news, he was a lovely man. Hugs and condolences to you all.

Dear Pat & family, I was very sad to hear the news of David’s passing. My deepest condolences to you all. He was a kind and generous man to many. I fondly remember he and Pat opening their home to us (me and our girls, my mother and brother and his family) and invited us to the cottage in Grand Bend to spend the day on the beach. We had a fantastic time and many laughs. The weather was perfect and we didn’t want the fun to end. Thanks to you both for being such wonderful friends to my parents over the years and now to my mother since dad’s passing. David has left a huge imprint on the many lives he touched. He will be greatly missed. Cherish him by talking about him every chance you get and sharing fun and happy memories. He would want that for you all, to remember and smile with love in your eyes and heart. Julie, Grace & Paige

David was a good and gentle man. His kindness, generosity and caring for family and friends permeated his daily life. I have so many treasured memories [at the cottage and last year in Florida] of David calmly presiding over BBQ or Boat! He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Heartfelt sympathy to Pat, Marissa, Jesse, Lee and their loved ones.

A donation has been made to LHSF- Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre.

Our heartfelt sympathy to Pat, Marissa, Jesse, Lee and all your families on the loss of your dear husband, father and Poppa. We were blessed for the past 42 years to have Dave as a wonderful friend and neighbour. We have fond memories of the annual cottage day when Dave & Pat graciously shared their Lake Huron slice of paradise with us. The fun beach time, Dave's bbq, boat rides and sunsets shared over the years will always be treasured. Dave was a fine gentleman with such a kind voice and caring heart and he will be deeply missed. May cherished memories bring you comfort and peace.

To Dave, My ski buddy, cottage fixer, brother-in- law, and friend. I am going to miss you so much. More than a brother-in-law, you're the brother I never had. The wind through the trees at the cottage will sigh with memories of you. The sound of water breaking on the rocks you loved in Georgian Bay will whisper your name. Your children and grandchildren will honour you as a shining example of patience, generosity, adventure, kindness and unconditional love. My sister will love and miss you always. And I will feel a hole in my heart for you. Safe journey, my friend. May you find rocks and trees and beautiful water wherever you go. With love, Suzy

David was a true gentleman,a good friend and neighbour. He was always kind and patient with our boys,and he made everyone feel welcomed and valued. We will truly miss his warmth and gentle spirit. Deepest condolences to Pat,Marissa,Jesse,and Lee.

Sending our warmest sympathies to you Pat and family. It’s been a long time since we lived across the street but remember Dave well. Such a great fun guy! Sorry you’ve lost such a wonderful spirit. He was one of the good ones! Hugs and prayers from Vancouver island!

My deepest condolences to you Pat and Family. We have had so many fun memories over our 46 years of friendship from the treasure hunts in Grand bend, the fun days at your cottage, the horse driven sleighrides on freezing evenings with delicious meals afterwards. David was also there to help me hook up my VCR and learn how to use it. He was very computer savvy. He was a loving, kind generous husband, father,Poppa and friend. He will be great missed by all her knew him.