Captian Steve Orr Memorial Bench

In 2004 Steve suffered a MRSA infection in his spinal column which left the then 60 year old, 6 foot 6 inch, former defensive lineman a paraplegic. With the support of countless medical staff, coaches, and friends he painstakingly trained for over a year to regain the use of his arms and legs and returned to work full-time, a feat that was thought unimaginable by most of his doctors. Steve and his beloved dog Poppet walked the trail around Taku Lake in Anchorage daily until the time of his retirement, walking the full lake was a physical trial for him for many years, but his loyal and devoted dog who spent her days snoozing in the back of his Suburban needed some exercise and he was determined to make sure she got it.

He often commented that it would be nice to have a place to sit by the water there to get a bit of a break. The family is working with the Anchorage Parks Foundation and Parks Department to have a memorial bench installed in their honor next summer while a brand new playground is being built near the lake as well. Even more than he loved his dog, "Papa" loved his grandchildren and delighted in their laughter and energy; this seems like a fitting combination. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions from friends, family, and colleagues to  off-set the cost of the bench would be appreciated. Any contributions received over the needed amount will be put toward funeral expenses or donated the South Whidbey High School Football Boosters in his honor. 

Steve's daughter Susanna is the point of contact for the family.

Some of Steve and Poppit's ashes will be mixed and spread in the lake at the dedication.