Obituary of Martin McDevitt Orser

Martin McDevitt Orser Martin McDevitt Orser passed away Thursday January 20, 2011 at his home in Santa Cruz surrounded by his family. He was 67. Martin was born in southern California. Due to his father's Naval service he lived in a number of places across the country while growing up, including Ft Levenworth, Kansas, San Diego, Arlington, Virginia and Pasadena. He has been a resident of Santa Cruz for the past 22 years. He attended Pasadena City College and Cabrillo College and earned an Associate of Arts degree. He was described by his family as a quiet man of integrity, who lived by example. He believed it was more important to be measured by the quality of your work than material wealth. He was generous with his time, volunteering at the Grey Bears and also tending to the grounds at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. He enjoyed long walks, reading, handy man projects and was an avid gardener. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Agnes Orser of Santa Cruz, two sons, Michael Orser of San Diego and Andrew Orser of Elverta, CA; two grandchildren, Isabella Orser and Anderson Orser both of Elverta; a step brother, William S. Orser of N. Carolina; three step sisters, Lynne Van Blake of Oklahoma, Teri Beier of Palmdale, CA and Judy Guichard of Coalinga, CA; he also leaves an adopted aunt, Nancy Chalfant and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA on Tuesday January 25, 2011 at 11:00 am. Please visit our website at www.pacificgardenschapel.com to sign an online guest book or express you condolences to the family. Contributions may be made to the A.L.S Association, 27001 Agoura Rd, Ste 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104 or at their website www.alas.org.