Orton passed away on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at the age of 98. He was born May, 4, 1920 and raised on a farm in Dawson, MN. He was the eldest of 8 children of whom he remained very close throughout his life. He came to Fresno, CA while serving in the Army Airforce during WWII, where he met his wife, Barbara Good, and never left. Orton achieved his BA in Commerce with highest honors from Fresno State College in 1949.
Orton worked for the CA State Board of Equalization for 39 years, and was passionate about his work, family, and farming. His idea of a perfect vacation was visiting his farms in southern MN during harvest season. He also had a keen interest in investments and spent many hours studying sources such as Value Line. He taught his children and others the importance of saving. As his wife Barbara of 66 years always said, “You can always tell a Norwegian, but you can’t tell them much”.
He is survived by his son, John and wife Irene Bergeland and their son Scott; and his daughter, Gailyn and husband John Johnson, and their children Hayden, Nicholas, Heather, Joshua and Noah; and his great grandchildren, Ellie Algra, Jack and Mason Schott, and Lucas Johnson.
A private family graveside service and a small gathering at San Joaquin Gardens were held in honor of his wishes. Remembrances may be made to San Joaquin Gardens Foundation where he thoroughly enjoyed living the last 6 years.
