Orval Rance
July 15th, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Orval Rance, in July of 2020.
Orval will be missed by his wife Marie, their children, sons-in-law, grandchildren, extended family, and the friends that he made throughout his life.
A longtime resident of British Columbia, Orval fell in love with the beauty of B.C. while serving with the Royal Canadian Navy, stationed in the Queen Charlotte Islands in the 1960’s. After returning to Winnipeg he married Marie in 1964, and joyfully welcomed their daughter Linda two summers later.
After a particularly harsh Manitoba winter, he declared that he had ‘had enough’. Packing up his small family, he drove west in the spring of 1967 to return to B.C., where his family later grew with the addition of their son Bryan.
Settling in the lower mainland of British Columbia for the remainder of his life, Orval’s family grew again with the arrivals of his six grandchildren.
Throughout his lifetime Orval was a passionate painter, photographer, woodworker, bird watcher, and gardener, who drew inspiration from nature.
Always there to lend a hand to those in need, Orval was a dedicated volunteer in the Mission Hospital Auxiliary, and could be relied on by family and friends to meet any challenges that arose in his loved ones lives.
A man of integrity and passion, Orval will be remembered always as a loving and dedicated husband, grandfather, father, father-in-law, brother, uncle, and as a true friend to everyone he met on his life’s journey.
Please note that due to current conditions, a small memorial will be held ‘by invitation only’. Thank you for your understanding.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. From Darwin, Denise, Destin and Kris Payette
I am so sorry Linda (and family)...sending love and light...sniff. May you know gentleness and find support.
I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad. He was such a sweet natured soul with such a big heart. We are thinking of you all at this time.
Marie, to you and your family, our condolences on Orval's passing. Anytime I had the opportunity to work along side of him I enjoyed. Bryan and Lil.
Our sincere condolences to the family. We had the pleasure of meeting him when his daughter married into our family. RIP Orval
Bryan, I am so sad for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Sorry to all of you on this great loss . Love you and miss you all.
We are filled with great sadness on the passing of our dearest Uncle. Uncle Orval spent many many years with our family, and his bond was so close to my brother Ray that Orval and Marie took him on their honeymoon! Uncle was a good man and will be greatly missed. We share many many fond memories of him, and send our deepest love and sympathy to all of you. Always, Darlene
Uncle Orval..... A man with the kindest of souls, The quietness held within. A smile that would catch your eye, And let's not forget his grin! A man that's been a favourite of mine, And all whom he has touched. A dad, a grandpa, an uncle as well, We've loved you very much! Your brilliance and your talent, Your kindness and your wit. Is all of these combined in you, Tell me ... where did it all fit? Your playfulness until the end, Is what, they all will remember. Noone will forget the white fluff you used, On your face, this past December!! You see not only were you all these things, It's all the memories you leave. That will keep us close to you as well, And help us while we grieve. I saved your family for the last, A daughter, whom loved you so! A son, whom is as talented as you, but that you already know! A wife, whom is as kind as you, and will love you without end, It's with all of our love, we send with you now, until we meet again! Love your niece Di
My sincere condolences Bryan for you and your family