VCS teacher Allan Orr touched so many lives
“Different people make a difference in an imperfect world.”
Those words penned in my yearbook partially cover a picture of a man in sunglasses and a cape standing in the middle of a high school classroom. His face is dominated by a lopsided smirk, one of the many traits that helped him earn the highly esteemed title, “Most Unique Teacher.”
Alan Orr, a man whose only wish was to change the world, began his ministry at Valley Christian School in August 1997 teaching fifth grade. In 2002 he made the transition into secondary and soon became one of the most loved and respected teachers in the school, according to the VCS Web site. He died on June 26 as a result of heart failure at age 46.
This news came as a complete shock to everyone who had any sort of connection with Mr. Orr. But in the midst of the tears, many memories came to mind that evoked laughter and showed what an amazing person Mr. Orr really was, and the impact that he had on everyone around him.
“Mr. Orr always had good advice,” said Trevor Stewart, a 2006 VCS alumnus. “He was always good for a laugh and understood his students better than any other teacher. He treated you like his brother and sister in Christ.”
Becky Bolster, who graduated from VCS in 2007, remembered how personable he was in and out of the classroom.
“Whenever he saw me he would give me the biggest hug. During fifth period senior year, which was my study hall, he took us on walks around the school. He would tell stories (about) when he was in high school … He was always there for advice and prayer.” She said that, if it hadn’t been for him, “I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
Family, friends, former students and colleagues filled the auditorium and spilled over into the lobby of Valley Fourth Memorial Church for Mr. Orr’s memorial service on July 2.
Laughter was shared from the beginning as Pastor John Underhill requested that all ties be removed in honor of Mr. Orr, who preferred sweaters covered in buttons, pins and patches. The service included some of Mr. Orr’s favorite hymns, memories from his family and a video presentation. Above all, his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was emphasized.
“I walked into VCS barely knowing Jesus, and because of Mr. Orr, I read my Bible now, I pray now, I know Scriptures now, I know about Jesus now. I wouldn’t know any of that without him,” said Sammie Roland, who will be a senior at VCS. “He changed my life and I know I wouldn’t be as happy as I am today without his help.”
Besides being a phenomenal teacher, Mr. Orr also enjoyed paintball. He was the head of the Oozing Welts Paintball Club at VCS, and was even invited to tour the nation with a professional paintball team at one point. He turned down this offer, however, to go on a mission trip to Thailand instead. Although he wasn’t able to go because he didn’t get his passport in time, he didn’t regret his decision. His heart for the Lord and love for people were the best things about his character.
The one thing that Mr. Orr made sure he did above all else was influence the next generation for the greater good.
“ I remember interviewing him … about being a high school teacher, and him saying he did it for the privilege and responsibility of influencing young minds positively,” said Shannon Mickelson, a 2005 VCS alumnus. “I think his ambition, as a teacher, was to impact lives as much as possible – encouraging kids spiritually, socially, emotionally. And, judging by the teens that flocked to his classroom during prep period … I think he hit it well.”
A special memorial fund has been established in honor of Allan Orr. Donations to this fund for his family will be much appreciated. Donations may be made at any Spokane Teachers’ Credit Union branch to the Allan Orr Memorial Fund.