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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ORR, Douglas F. - The father of legendary Boston Bruins defenceman Bobby Orr, died Saturday. He was 82. His daughter, Patricia, confirmed his death to The Canadian Press from Orr’s home in Parry Sound, Ont., but would offer no further details. Much like his son, Douglas Orr was a terrific athlete who excelled in hockey and track. But rather than pursuing a professional career, he ended up joining the navy and serving in the Second World War. Don Cherry, who once coached Bobby with the Bruins, mentioned Orr’s death on Hockey Night in Canada. A picture of the two standing with Bobby was shown on Coach’s Corner while Cherry spoke. “This has been a tough day for me,” said Cherry, his voice quivering with emotion. “He had a great hockey career at one time but he gave it up to go in the Second World War as a sailor. “He was a great guy.” Orr and wife Arva settled in Parry Sound, Ont., after the Second World War and had five children, including Bobby, who would revolutionize the way hockey was played with his attacking style from the blue-line. Known for his breathtaking end-to-end rushes with the puck and his hard-as-nails fortitude, Bobby Orr became the first defenceman to lead the league in scoring in 1969-70 and set a record with 102 assists the following year — a mark that still stands for defencemen. Bobby Orr would dominate the NHL for nearly a decade before chronic knee problems forced him to retire.
Ships served in:
The Kingston Whig-Standard, Friday, 19 Nov 1943 The Three Sailors in the above picture have been selected from the H.M.C.S. "Cataraqui" crew for the crew of HMCS "Frontenac", the corvette sponsored by the City of Kingston and built here for the Royal Canadian Navy. From left to right, OS W. Lewis of Peterborough, AB. J. Sturgess of Whitby and OS D. F. Orr of Parry Sound. The three young boys trained at the local naval training centre. Courtesy of James Sturgess
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