Orion Beaver

Born in 1927, James Orion Beaver grew up working on the family farm and dairy in Kansas. He was one of five brothers and had two sisters. As Orion grew up, so did the world around him, and he had a front-row seat to watch. He went from using the family cellar to an electric refrigerator. He watched his mother’s hitch and wagon give way to Henry Ford and the automobile. In 1945, Orion graduated from high school and reported to basic training after being drafted into the army. He was stationed in Germany in 1946 and watched as the world pieced itself together after the dramatic end of WWII. After two years of service, he returned home and used the GI Bill to attend college. Orion became a member of the Acacia fraternity and graduated from Kansas State University. He began his thirty-six-year teaching career before moving to Boulder, Colorado where he also dabbled in selling cars and tomatoes and even installing insulation. His curious nature and the creative times and spirit of his country led Orion to see life in an innovative way and ahead of the curve.

Orion, most notably, always had a huge heart for others. As a boy, he served his community by lighting the wood stove each morning to provide heat in his one-room schoolhouse. He was a part of many service projects over the years at church that included driving a car to Cuba for a pastor in need, teaching Sunday school and youth group, and later serving others through RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). He helped countless people with at-home projects and led student trips to explore new technology and information. While Orion always found joy in helping others, painting the church basement, where he met a young woman named Dalene who captured his eye and his heart, might have been his favorite. The two were married and delighted in the arrival of their two daughters, Leanne (Jason), and Patrice (Scott). Orion and Dalene were supportive and present parents, instilling in their children a love for God, learning, traveling, working hard, and serving others.

Orion was known for his sense of humor, his homemade pizza, and of course his pies! After retiring from teaching and years of repeating the phrase, “That just may be the best...” he put his money where his mouth was and opened a dessert and sandwich shop, Just the Best, in North Boulder. Orion was a member and eventually President of the East Boulder Optimist Club. He loved to garden, always trying new ways to grow plants and vegetables. He built anything his wife could dream up, whether bunk beds for their girls or set designs for her plays and musicals. He and Dalene traveled much of the world, enjoying its beauty and people.

But his greatest source of joy was his children and grandchildren. He was the very proud grandfather of Caleb, Kendall, Kaden, Jacob, Kennedy, and Juliana. Orion showed his love in every grin, in his preparation of a favorite dish, and attendance at shows, games, and graduations. While we know that he loved a good movie, book, and meal, he put our favorites ahead of his own letting his kids and grandkids choose what they wanted to do and happily joining in. Although he will be remembered for his warm smile, gentle spirit, and generosity, those who knew him best won’t forget the mischievous look that came before a lighthearted joke or prank.

Grandpa, we will miss your pancakes, the twinkle in your eye, the comfort in knowing that you simply knew everything and could fix anything, church lunch and movie days, sleepovers, homecooked meals, your too-good-to-be-true card hands, your competitive spirit, cribbage, hearts and pinochle, painting, road trips, chocolate cake, and delicious pies lovingly made for every celebration. Thank you for the lifetime that you spent with us. We love you and will remember you always.

Celebration of Life Service will be held October 21, 2023, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon at Ascent Community Church, 550 McCaslin Blvd, Lousiville, Co.