Obituary of Orrington C. Ramsay

Orrington passed away on April 18, 2013, following complications from a stroke. He was born August 1, 1920, to Allan P. and Klea C. Ramsay in Chicago, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: David C. Ramsay, MD, John "Jack" C. Ramsay (twin), and Jeanne R. Remaley. In addition, he was predeceased by grandchildren Steven R. Oclaray and Rebecca Lee. He is survived by his children Linda R. Oclaray (Gaynon), Allan M. Ramsay (Pat) and Joanne M. Ramsay, as well as grandchildren Jason R. Oclaray, Brian K. Ramsay, Kevin R. Oclaray (Mary Kate) and Andrew K. Ramsay, and great-grandchildren Kate and Jack Oclaray. He is also survived by stepchildren Bill Bush (Dottie) and Pat Fiala (Art) and their families, as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews. Orrington was a Naval Intelligence Officer during World War II who learned Japanese and was deployed onto the islands of the South Pacific to interview prisoners. After the war, he returned to receive his PhD in English from the University of Wisconsin. He taught English for Fullerton Junior College and was one of the charter English Professors for Orange County State College, now California State University, Fullerton. A published author, Orrington retired from teaching in 1980, got his contractor's license, and built three homes in Cambria, CA. He and Aurelia and their children and grandchildren enjoyed Cambria and had many adventures there over the years. He was married in March, 1943, to his first wife, Aurelia Motta Ramsay, who preceded him in death in 1994. He married his second wife, Barbara Ann (Bush) Ramsay in 1995; she preceded him in death in 2011. His great loves were his family and his faith. He frequently travelled to visit his immediate and extended family in Modesto, Sacramento, and Seattle. He took his family on wonderful trips to Hawaii, Europe, and several other places. He spent many hours with his grandsons, joining them in their interests and teaching them about family, nature and having fun. Orrington was a charter member of Morningside Presbyterian Church, serving the congregation for many years in many different capacities. In recent years, he joined the First Methodist Church of Fullerton, and again was an active participant and contributor. As recently as April 7th, he taught an Adult Bible Study class. In addition, Orrington loved reading, camping, contract bridge, tool-working, creating stained glass windows, and lively discussions. Orrington will be remembered as generous, hard-working, full of adventure, nature-loving , and committed to his faith, family and friends. A memorial service will be held at the gravesite on May 4, 2013, at Melrose Abbey Memorial Park, Anaheim, CA.