Oct. 13, 1922 - Sept. 13, 2010
With great sorrow the family announces the sudden passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather & great-grandfather one month short of his 88th birthday. Orv leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Anna May, children Terry (Laurie), Ron (Elsa) and Nancy (Jake DeBruyn); Grandchildren Steve (Angela), Tyler (Johanna), Courtney (David), Richelle (Chris), Lindsay (Dustin), Katelyn, Jeremy, Brandon, Trevor (Cathy), Michael (Corinne), Darcie (Gord), Tifanie (Adam), Devan (Sandra), Liam, Kieram, Lauren (Jason), Kimberly, Ryan, Jennifer & 21 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by son Glenn and daughter-in-law Barbara Litchfield.
Orv moved to Chilliwack from Brantford, Ontario with his family in 1958 when hockey was in its infancy. He was the founder of the Chilliwack Pee Wee Hockey Jamboree. He was very active in Minor Hockey & held Referee Schools. He first coached the Jr. B Fraser Valley Chiefs in the early 60’s. His next coaching position was the Chilliwack 3-Field Intermediate Hockey Club from 1964-1968. Orv was the coach of the first Chilliwack Bruins Jr. A Club (in the 1970’s) & then the Owner & Coach of the Chilliwack Colts Jr. A. He was also active in many other sports: Softball, Curling, Golf & Bowling in his younger years.
Orv was the owner of a Sporting Goods store downtown for many years which included trophies & engraving. He was a past-member of the Chilliwack Rotary Club, an important part of his life. He was also Vice-President of Branch 4 Legion, and a long time member.
Orv proudly served his country during WWII having taken part in the D-Day invasion & the Liberation of Holland in the Tank Regiment of the Sherbrooke Fusiliers.
Orv’s hobbies were woodworking & growing tomatoes and cucumbers in the twin greenhouses he built, and sharing them with family & friends. His family has many articles he made of wood to remember him by.
A service will be held at Henderson’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 22nd at 1:00 p.m. with condolences and refreshments immediately after the service in the Tea Room at Henderson’s Funeral Home. Interment to follow in the Legion Cemetery. The Casket Bearers will be Orv’s grandsons: Trevor Litchfield, Ryan Litchfield, Steve DeBruyn, Tyler DeBruyn, Jeremy DeBruyn and Brandon DeBruyn.
The family wishes to express our appreciations for the care & attention given to Orv by Dr. Kishi, Dr. McFadden & the exceptional I.C.U. staff & Paramedics. In lieu of flowers, donation to the Salvation Army would be appreciated.
Online condolences can be left at www.hendersonsfunerals.com