George B. Orchard

George B. Orchard, age 78, of Iron River, MI, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2015 at his home. He was born July 31, 1937 in Iron River, MI, the son of the late Richard and Doris (Bastin) Orchard. He attended and graduated from Iron River High School. He was a U.S, Air Force Veteran of 22 years. Following his retirement from the service, he returned to the Iron River area and served as Assistant Director at the Iron River Community Schools for many years. George married the former Sylvia Orchard on December 26, 1958 in Cornwall, England and the couple celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in 2014. He attended the Iron River Bible Church. He was an avid coach of the West Iron County Cross Country Track Team and started the girl’s High Scholl Volleyball Program. George was well known in the area as a very good long distance runner. He was an avid Michigan Wolverines fan, and also enjoyed hunting. He loved his family and grandchildren. George is survived by his wife, Sylvia; sons, Tristan Orchard of Iron River, Steve (Sandy) Orchard of Kingsford, MI, and Paul (Wendy) Orchard of Xenia, OH; sisters, Doreen Lehr of Marine City, MI, and Greta (James) Marcell of Iron River; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Albert Orchard, and sister, Minnie Olson. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2015 from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Iron River Bible Church. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Dan Waters to officiate. Interment will be in Iron River City Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George B. Orchard, please visit our flower store.