Rodger Kim Orris

On February 14, 2023, we lost our Dad and Grandpa, Rodger Kim Orris, a family man known for his masterful way of bringing people together. Born on May 26, 1952, Kim is pre-deceased by his mom Ada, his dad Lloyd, sister Guay and niece Jane. Survived by siblings Bernice Young, Glen (Susan Daniels), Loron (Cynthia), Nancy Snidal, Lynda McDonald (Andy), and Judi Nordstrom (Milton), as well as nieces, nephews, and friends. He is also survived by the loves of his life: his children Trisha Plett (Jeremy), Lloyd (Kathrine), Mathew (Holly Cote), and Ben (Ashley Young), grandkids Kayden, Isla, and Vaux, step-grandkids Arrielle, Ethan, and Amber, his former wife and friend Colleen, and soul mate Donna Martin.

Kim was an outstanding and admired businessman and philanthropist. He purchased his dad’s business, Coronet Printers, in 1976 with six employees, acquired Fahlke printers in 1988, and after consolidating these ventures, directed company growth up to a team of forty before selling to GTC Transcontinental in 2002. He remained a GM at Transcontinental until 2006 when he retired to be a stay-at-home Dad for Ben.

Kim was a founding board member of Special Olympics Manitoba. Kim was inducted into Special Olympics Manitoba Hall of Fame and was appointed a member of the Honorary Board of Directors. He also made his printing company available as a work experience station for Prince Charles School for 5 years.

A gifted athlete who rose to football stardom in his Kelvin High School days in River Heights, Kim later bought shares with the MMJHL Fort Garry/Fort Rouge Twins where his son Ben played. Coaching Ben before and after every game, you’d never know he hadn’t ever played hockey. Kim coached all four of his kids in their early sports years. His devotion to their lives even had him fly to Vancouver for each of Lloyd’s Simon Fraser University football games. He always said family came first and he lived that sentiment wholeheartedly.

Kim grew up sharing his dad’s love of horse racing. He spent hours at Assiniboine Downs watching his horses, even travelling to Chicago with his favorite horse “Stakes Bound.” In 2006, Kim’s employees pitched in to gift him tickets to the Kentucky Derby, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Kim also loved music and took great pleasure in drumming with “The Harvard Street Band.” He always had the best sound system no matter how complicated and would entertain the whole block blasting loud tunes from his porch.

Kim had deep roots in Loni Beach. He always hosted big-scale events that cemented life-long friendships. He was known in Loni for his warm “hellos” and hallmark “Gimli wave” goodbyes.

Kim cherished his children and grandchildren more than anything. For Mathew, recreating father-son memories at the lake with his own kids and their grandpa will always stand out. Trisha spent years fiercely and tirelessly advocating for her dad through his battle with cancer. All four kids stood by him with the same unflinching dedication he’d always given them. He was a man of passion who never did anything halfway.

He was our best friend, our confidant, our everything.

Words cannot express our gratitude for Dr. James Johnston’s 24 years of care, comfort, and friendship.

Thank you to Irena, Theresa, Tracy and all the nurses at CancerCare. You brought comfort to Dad in his hardest times.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre or ‘CLL research’, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

Celebration of Kim’s incredible life will be held at the Masonic Memorial Centre, 420 Corydon Ave, Winnipeg on March 2, 2023 at 1 pm. Cremation has taken place. A private family interment will occur at Elmwood Cemetery.

“I wish I didn’t know now, what I didn’t know then” - Bob Seger

Dad, keep rocking.