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Keith LaVar Orr, 88 of Fort Macleod, Alberta passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at the Lee Crest living facility in Cardston, Alberta. He was born on June 28, 1936 in Orton, Alberta to Ernest Orr and Mary Hornberger. He was the 7th child of 8.

Keith began his love of learning in the little Orton school house and then at the Macleod school. He later graduated from Olds Agriculture College. He also attended SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) in Calgary.

On April 14, 1962 in the Cardston, Alberta Temple, Keith married his love, Marlene Jay Louw who was from Springs, South Africa. Together they lived in the Orton area where Keith farmed, raised cattle and hogs and owned businesses with his brother Wayne.

Keith was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In 1957, as a young man, he served a two-year mission in South Africa where he unknowingly met his future wife. After returning home Keith enjoyed serving with the youth including the Scouting program. He served as Bishop of the Fort Macleod 1st ward for 8 years.

From 1993-1996 he served with Marlene as the mission president for the South Africa, Johannesburg mission, a calling that he was greatly humbled by. He was dearly loved and respected by the many missionaries he had stewardship over. He served as a sealer in the Cardston Temple and was the Fort Macleod Stake Patriarch for many years.

Keith loved the outdoors whether he was on waterskies, snowmobiles, motorbikes, camping or riding his Tennessee Walker. The mountains were his preferred place to be. He was a problem solver and could jimmy-rig anything. He was an avid reader and journal writer. He had a thirst for truth and a quick wit. He was often sought after for his easy conversation and his pearls of wisdom.

Keith is survived by his devoted wife, Marlene, his grateful children, Cindy Orr Ortland (Grant) of Oceanside, California and Jeffrey LaVar Orr (Kathy) of American Fork, Utah. He leaves behind seven grandchildren, Breanne Bolton(Steve), Paige Goble (Jon), Tanner Ortland, Rachel Zacharia (Jacob), Lexie Smith (Riley), TJ Orr (Hannah), Shelbie Lloyd (Kayden) and seven great grandchildren, Emma, Mitchell & Logan Bolton, Beau Smith, Mavis Orr, Ava Goble and Millie Lloyd. He is also survived by his brother Wayne Orr and sister Marilyn Spencer.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings; Alta, Garth, Don, Alma and Merle, as well as his sweet daughter in law, Marianne Rawlings.

Friends and Family are invited to his Memorial Service on Monday, September 2 at 1:00pm at the LDS Church, 643 20th Street, Fort Macleod. Interment will be in the Orton Cemetery prior to service with immediate family.