Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Orris Franklin Sage. He was born into the Dirty Thirties in the small town of Melfort, Saskatchewan, to Russell and Myrtle Sage, with siblings Glen, Phyllis, Lorne and John.
Orris grew up apparently walking uphill both ways to a one-room prairie schoolhouse where his abilities at sports soon became a passion. He spent his summers playing baseball and winters clearing snow from ice ponds to play hockey from dawn to dusk.
It was not long until a spot on the iconic Flin Flon Bombers was offered to Orris, where his reputation as a hard-nosed defenceman was forged. He carried on to become the Canadian Gold Rush Canoe Derby champion, but missed out by four seconds in becoming North American champion of the 100-mile race down the Mississippi River. Later, after a cup of coffee with both the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, Orris took his skates across the pond to Scotland, where he quickly became a crowd favourite at the rink in Murrayfield, Edinburgh. It was there he met a fresh-faced Scottish lass who he would bring home to Canada and love for the next 63 years.
Orris became an ironworker in bridge construction all over BC, including the Granville Street and Second Narrows bridges.
Hockey again came calling as he was asked to lace up for the startup of the Powell River Regals. He took this opportunity to relocate, raise his family and build his home in the new subdivision of Grief Point, all while pursuing a 31-year career in the welding shop with MacMillan Bloedel.
Orris was avid in the community by coaching many pee wee, bantam and midget hockey teams to Vancouver Island championships. His oldest son, Russell, would become the first son of an original Regal to play for the green and gold; later his second son, Wayne, served as president of the club, establishing a 50-year family legacy with the team.
Orris loved to hunt on Pocahontas and was often seen fishing off Harwood Island. He was active in the Powell River Golf Club, a founding builder of Mount Diadem Ski Club and later found his passion as a trapshooter with Powell River Rod and Gun Club. Humbly he became a Western Canada doubles champion and BC singles champion; he cherished his 100/100's.
We loved when he pulled out his smoked salmon and award-winning blackberry wine. No matter the adventure or pursuit, you would always find his biggest fan, Irene, at his side cheering him on.
Orris was predeceased by his parents, brothers Glen and John and sister Phyllis. He leaves to mourn his wife Irene, brother Lorne (Joan), sister-in-law Connie, sons Russell (Belinda) and Wayne (Gisele), daughter Donna (Brian) Stobbart, grandchildren Megan, Reid, Mariah (James), Garrett, Caitlin and Samantha, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Our family would like to thank the compassionate and warm staff at Willingdon Creek Village-Orris loved it there, and the people who surrounded and cared for him. Thank you to the nurses on the fourth floor, we are forever grateful for your incredible care.
To honour his humble ways, no service will be held and a celebration of life will be enjoyed by family.
Okey Dokey, Dad.