On Wednesday, December 27, 2023 Nicholas James Orr passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones due to the effects of cancer. He was 27 years old.
He was born October 2, 1996 in Sandy, Utah, and raised by a family who loved him. He was an active little boy and full of adventure! His childhood was filled with funny memories from starting his kitchen on fire while pretending to be a Toy Story character, to breaking his femur (without crying!) while sledding. He grew up a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and loved his time spent in primary and the youth program. Nick played football, soccer, baseball, and enjoyed karate and skiing, along with skateboarding as a teenager.
He brought so much joy to his family as a much younger sibling, with his adorable vocabulary and deep brown eyes. His older brother and sister loved to take him along on their teenage adventures where he was adored by their friends as well. His parents cherished the time they spent with him and loved watching him at all his events growing up. Susan shared a special bond with Nick, and he was always happy to be her “buddy.” Nick was truly grateful that his mom was always there for him, no matter what. Allen was often a voice of reason and advocate for Nick, leaving no doubt he was loved.
From a young age, Nick always loved babies. He loved his nieces and nephews, and loved to hold them as newborns. Nick had a huge heart and was such a jokester with a great sense of humor, and loved spending time with his friends. He truly loved giving gifts, and had fun scaring and tricking people during his favorite holiday, Halloween.
He met the love of his life, Ashlyn Wayman in 2016, and together they welcomed their baby girl Zakeya into the world in 2021. No one loved being a father as much as Nick. He adored Zakeya, and whenever she was around she had Nick’s full attention. He was constantly telling his family how smart she was, or telling his mom about the new things she had learned to do. His love for Keya (or “Bug”, as he called her) kept him going through many hard days of his illness.
Nick was an example of perseverance and strength during his fight with cancer, never once complaining, despite the enormous amount of suffering he endured. He will be missed by all those that were lucky enough to spend time with him.
He is survived by his parents: Allen and Susan Orr, Siblings: Lindsey (Alan) Nygren, Brian (Heidi) Orr, The Mauritz Family, and the loves of his life: Ashlyn Wayman and his favorite baby in the world, daughter Zakeya. Nieces and nephews: Cayden and Abbie Stone, Benson Nygren, Grayson, Bridger, Holland, and Zoe Orr.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, January 02 from 2-3 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life gathering from 3-4 p.m. at the Chateau at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah. (1910 E Dimple Dell Drive)
Those wishing to view the COMPLETE service via Zoom can click " Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/06QFX1CmW4AlE4JgZY63xP4oSdSrpwRYU-q-pcxw_XuhQcAq9OfoLy6Kctl1ZssS.BS2_sxrtPy4RNWNZ?startTime=1704228427000
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation that would go directly into a fund for Nick's daughter, Zakeya. Venmo:@brian-orr-1
So very sorry for your loss Susan . There are just no words …hugs now and always.
Nick made me feel comfortable when It was hard for me to get to know anyone always inviting me to social events with his friend never drowning me out. I got to know him for 2 years and I cherish those writing back in forth in group chats making Nick's name such as goonie swuan cupcake and other various words to bring a closer and laughter. He would always smile and see the positive. May you rest in peace Nick James Orr love you 3'000
Our family knew Nick as a young boy. He was our neighbor across the cul-de-sac. We have many fond memories watching him grow up before we moved away.
Nick had a wonderful sense of humor, even as a young boy. He loved playing tricks on us. One Spring, we were planting forsythia in our yard, and we gave Nick an extra plant. He was very excited as he wanted to compete to see whose plant would grow faster. We agreed to his strangely specific rules, and he walked away with that mischievous smirk he would sometimes have.
A week into the competition we caught Nick sneaking out to water his plant…with blue Gatorade! When confronted, he reminded us that he never specified what couldn’t be used for watering. We advised him to stick to water, but he was sure Gatorade would be the key to his victory.
Within another week… Nick’s forsythia had shriveled and died. I made the diagnosis of acute Gatorade poisoning. Nick loved that! He asked for another plant but we didn’t have one. I now wish I would have found a way to get him one more plant.
Our family will always remember Nick. We will plant a forsythia somewhere special and think of him every time we see it, especially as it bursts back with life each Spring.
All of our love,
The Mortensen Family
So so sorry to you all we as a family send our love give ashlyn a hug