Orlin Francis Van Dyke Sr.

Born January 28, 1919, died June 30th, 2016 at age 97 in Roseville. Orlin was born at Sisters Hospital in Sacramento, raised in Pleasant Grove and East Nicolaus, on the property Orlin’s great grandfather purchased in 1890. He was the second eldest of four brothers, predeceased by Dick and Dean, survived by Harlan. He was married to his high school sweetheart Margaret Gallagher for 51 years, and had two children: Orlin Van Dyke II and Patricia Van Dyke. Orlin was a rice farmer in East Nicolaus from 1940’s until 1975, where he was an active member of the community. He served on the Board of Directors of the South Sutter Water District, dug the pool for East Nicolaus High School, served as Big Flood Coordinator, and as a Fire District volunteer. When he retired and moved to Aptos, he gave up farming and became a realtor and played golf. After becoming a widower, he married Joan Dykes of Carmichael in 1992, and was married 25 years, until his death. They built a house in Sun City Roseville, but drove south in their motorhome to El Centro every winter. He was a part of the Pleasant Grove Community Church Men’s Group, and would drive the group to local outings, even taking them out to the rice dryer for a tour.

As a young man, he played the clarinet and saxophone, starting a band with his oldest brother and played at dances on Saturday nights in the 1940’s. He broke and rode horses and hauled livestock, and had a zest for driving: trucks, tractors, harvesters, motorhomes, and airplanes. He walked 18 holes of golf until the age of 85, and even surviving a stroke that caused permanent paralysis 10 years ago, he continued to love and live life. Even helping his brother restore an antique car, and participated in many neighborhood potlucks with his Sun City neighbors. He loved his little companion dog “Baby”, who was always on his lap. He was loved by his step-children Scott Dykes and Jennifer Dykes, for his gentleness and kindness.

Orlin knew Christ as Savior and trusted his future to Him. He was a man who was trustworthy, and recognized for his honorable character, his integrity, and noble principles. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy for his grandchildren Kim Madsen, Michelle Van Dyke, Orlin Van Dyke III, Scott Van Dyke and Marlo and John Parker, as well as his great-grandchildren He loved well and was loved well by his family and friends. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. The memorial service will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 2701 Howsley Rd, Pleasant Grove, CA 95668 Tuesday, July 12th at 11:00 am

Arrangements under the direction of Lambert Funeral Home, Roseville, CA.