Orwin Evenson, 71

| February 23, 2010 5:20 AM

Orwin Orval Evenson’s six-year battle with sarcoma ended, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, as he passed away peacefully at age 71. He was born on Sept. 21, 1938, in New Deal, Mont., to Orval and Fay Evenson. He was the second oldest in a family of six children, Dorothy, Karen, Janice, Kenneth and Eileen.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Marlene Evenson. Together they lovingly blended their families; his daughters, Kathy Triggs (Richard), Cindi Koller (Greg) and son Dave Evenson by his first marriage to Margaret (Campbell) Woodward and Marlene’s daughters; Delraya Anstine (Rich) and Tammy Baker (Larry) and their 14 grandchildren, Mathew, Nathan, Melissa, Emily, Zachary, Nicholas, Garren, Samantha, Maygen, Garrett, Christie, Jeff, Angela, Chris and also five great-grandchildren, Braden, Brock, Bryce, Mercadies and Rylan.

As a young man Orwin spent five years in the Navy on the USS Staten Island. Setting up Little America in the South Pole, banding 500 empire penguins and participating in Operation Deepfreeze II were among some of his most memorable accomplishments. This time frame also began his 45-year career in refrigeration as he learned how to maintain the ships boilers and refrigeration systems.

After holding jobs with Buttrey’s and Market Equipment, he was able to open his own business, Orwin’s Arctic Refrigeration in Dalton Gardens, Idaho. After retirement, he and Marlene enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling to and from their home in Yuma, Ariz., and spending time with family and friends.

His battle with cancer took his leg. But he kept on going and inspired others in so many ways. In spite of his disability he still worked on his many tractors and even went skydiving.

Orwin’s kind and generous spirit touched many, from those near and dear, to strangers in need. He loved to tell stories, especially about growing up on the farm in Montana. His generous heart will be missed by all.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 (viewing 12:30-1:30 p.m.) at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden, Idaho.

Please visit Orwin’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.