John Ransom Van Orman

John Ransom Van Orman passed away the evening of Monday, Sept. 27, 1999, at the age of 58. He died from a heart attack while serving his second mission for the LDS church at the Cove Fort, Utah Historical Site.

He was born March 26, 1941, to Welburn J. Van Orman and Georgia Mendenhall in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

He served his first mission for the LDS church in California. He was married to his sweetheart, Orrilla Larsen, in the LDS temple at Logan, Utah, on Sept. 9, 1963, and settled in Utah to raise his family.

He lived his life helping others. "Johnny " retired from being a paramedic and a captain in the Orem City Fire Department after 29 years of dedicated service. He was also well known for the draperies he installed throughout Utah and the surrounding region.

John was known to family and friends by his hobbies. He loved to travel and see new sights. He loved camping and Dutch-oven cooking, especially when he could share the experience. Children knew and loved him for his magic tricks, original storytelling, and playing "Round-and-Round the Garden, " occasionally with his own special twists.

John was always finding practical ways to help everyone with whom he came in contact. He could mend just about anything with drapery cord and duct tape. It was well known that he could always be counted on for a smile. His enthusiasm in never-ending service earned him the nickname "energizer bunny " from the missionaries he worked with. He quickly earned the trust of all those with whom worked and served.

From his example, we learned the most valuable lessons of life. He showed us the value of work, anonymous acts of kindness and service, and the importance of family, sacrifice and unconditional love. We will miss the way he made every child he met feel loved by taking time to play with them. We all strive to achieve his example of understanding, compassion and forgiveness.

He is survived by Orrilla L. Van Orman, his sweetheart of 36 years; eight children: J. Ransom (Jennie) Van Orman II of Lindon, Utah; Heather (Brad) Schmitz of Miles City, Mont.; Ginger (David) Whitaker of Kanosh, Utah; James W. (Heidi) Van Orman of Hillsboro, Ore.; Robin (Lloyd) Davis of Lehi, Utah; Holly (Eric) Van Blarcum of Irving, Texas; M. Hunter Van Orman and Evan R. Van Orman, both of Orem, Utah; 16 grandchildren; his mother; one sister, Ann (Loren) Godfrey, of Penticton, B.C., Canada; three brothers, Peter M. (Linda) Van Orman, of Orem, Utah; W. Howard (Carol) Van Orman, of Bountiful, Utah; and J. Gibb (Sheryl) Van Orman, of Provo, Utah. He is preceded in death by his father and one brother, Alan G. (Lorna) Van Orman.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life at the Lakeview Third Ward chapel at 155 West 1600 South, Orem, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, 1999. A viewing will be held Thursday, Sept. 30, 1999 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State St., Orem, Utah, and again at the Lakeview Third chapel one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery under the direction of Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary.