Orlando Alfred Epp

Dad was the seventh sibling of eleven born to Jacob and Anna Epp of Laird, Saskatchewan. He was born in the family farm home; his birth certificate references his birthplace by Longitude and Latitude. The Depression began in 1929; Dad would say that growing up they were as poor as church mice but so were all the other people. Dad received his formal education in Stonyhill (a small one room country school) and high school in Laird (a four-room school with grades one to twelve). Dad’s family attended a small Mennonite church, it was here that he was baptized on the confession of his faith at the age of seventeen.

He left the farm in 1950 to work and train as a Psychiatric Nurse in the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford, Sask. He graduated in 1953 and pursued this profession until he retired in 1988.

He met his wife Adeline in April of 1952, they married in October of 1952. Dad and Mom adopted four children while in North Battleford; they were very proud parents. In 1968 they moved our family to Abbotsford B.C. to be House Parents in a receiving home for disturbed children sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee and BC Health and Welfare. They were committed to assisting in God’s work and felt this would be an ideal way to serve. It was not uncommon for our household to contain ten kids on a full-time basis. As their “kids”; the four of us never felt cheated by having to “share” our parents with many other kids who may stay with us for six months or six days. Numerous kids that came through this home called our parents Mom and Dad and even after moving on in their lives would send Christmas and Happy Mother and Father Day cards for years after. It was an amazing experience.

After a few years our parents moved our family to Clearbrook, BC. Dad went to work as a Head Nurse at Riverview Mental Hospital in Coquitlam until he retired. He and our Mom spent many enjoyable winters in Arizona where they had a winter home. Our Mom passed away while in Arizona in March of 2000.

Dad met Margaret Janz in 2001; they were wed in August 2001. While both well into their 70’s, they acted like young lovers walking hand in hand, taking cruises and numerous trips together.

The combining of the two families couldn’t have worked out better. Dad and Margaret were soon known as Dad and Mom/Bapa and Grandma to both sides of the extended family. It was awesome to see the love they had for each other and each other’s families.

They belonged to the Sevenoaks Alliance Church where they were very active.

Those that knew our father knew him to be kind, gentle and fun loving. He always had time to help others providing there was a cup of coffee involved. He loved his kids and their kids and their kids. He had a hug for every kid and was proud of how his family grew; and it grew again after he and Margaret married. He enjoyed carpentry, wood carving, golfing, singing, traveling, camping, visiting, and sitting down to meals with friends and family. He loved to pull pranks (harmless ones only) and laughter was an integral part of each and every day. He taught us to be honest, polite and respectful; he led by example.

In 2018, due to declining health; our dad and Margaret moved into Menno Place in Abbotsford, B.C. The past couple of years have not been kind to Dad in terms of physical and mental challenges. But he never complained; he did what he could and always told us how grateful he was for what he had.

Orlando will be lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret, sister Darlene Bergman, son Jerry (Beverly) Epp, daughters Gail Dufault, Sheri Lynn (Lloyd) McGovern and daughter in law Donna Epp. Grandchildren April (Derek Molter) Epp, Kim (Kyle) Gallant, Lee Epp, Melissa Epp (Danny LaPlante), Stef (Brett) Legault, Corey (Ryan)Watson, Megan (Craig) Billay, Malory McGovern (Mat Link), Jesseca McGovern (Kevin Parker).

Extended family: Stepson John (Laura) Janz, Stepdaughters, Marilyn (Bob) Fletcher, Connie (Cliff Siebert) Grandchildren, Nathaniel Siebert, Rachel Lefebvre, Matthew Siebert

In addition, there are numerous great grandchildren from both sides of the family as part of the flock.

Orlando was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Anna Epp, nine brothers and sisters: first wife of 47 years Adeline, Son Scott Epp, Son in law Dave Wilson, Son in Law Marcel Dufault and grandson Jay Epp.

Dad was cremated on March 24, 2022, his ashes will be placed with his first wife Adeline at a future date.

A Celebration of Life for family will be held later this year.