John "Jack" Fredrick Orr

John Fredrick ‘Jack’ Orr John "Jack” Orr passed away on December 8, 2020 at the age of 86 in Windsor, Colorado. His battle with Alzheimer’s disease in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges. Despite the disease, Jack came out a hero and "with his boots on” until the end. Jack was born August 22, 1934 in his hometown of Kremmling, CO to Ted Orr and Sarah DeBerard Orr. As a child, Jack proclaimed that his goal was to follow in his grandfather, Fred C. DeBerard, footsteps and became a cattle rancher when he grew up. This dream was fulfilled when he raised Herford cattle and won numerous cattle shows across the United States. Jack became a Director of the National Western, was the youngest President of the Colorado Cattleman’s Association, and was actively involved in lobbying for cattleman, agriculture, and private property rights. Jack had a passion for the individual, freedom, and the American way of life. He believed in standing up for what you believe in, taking action, and fighting for a just cause. He was actively involved in politics on local, state, and national levels, donating his time, expertise, and money to numerous causes. As an entrepreneur Jack started his own real estate company, Orr Land Company, specializing in ranches in the western states. His creed was to always be honest with his clients. He mentored many young agents, including his family, with his high standards of honesty, integrity, hard work, and determination. Jack met the love of his life, Alta Linke, at a local rodeo. He proposed to her beside 8 Mile creek by a lone willow tree on Alta’s Granby ranch and married at the tender age of 18 on September 14, 1952 in Grand Lake’s Chapel in the Pines church. Together, married for 68 years, they ranched, built their real estate business, and were involved in many political battles. They had 4 children, Clair, Val, Ed, and Fred. The family grew with daughters-in-law Deb, Susie, and Coleen, 9 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Besides his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren Jack is survived by his sister, Jean Hinman, his brother, Ronnie Orr, and many nieces and nephews. Jack is preceded in death by his son, Clair, parents, Ted and Sarah, brother, Teddy, and sister, Myrtle. Jack will be honored next summer on the ranch he loved most, Orr Ranch, in Granby, CO. His ashes will be spread on that "windswept ridge where nature favors no man.”