Ronald Dwight Orchard, 91, of Southport, passed away peacefully, on Feb. 1, 2022 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, Maine. Ron was a life-time resident of Southport. He was born on Dec. 26, 1930 to Stanley Gordon Orchard and Izetta Harriet Orchard (Pinkham).

Ron worked at several local shipyards and for a time owned the Harbor Print Shop with his wife Ralva. Ron was very proud to have served in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1952. He served all four years aboard the Aircraft Carrier, Tarawa, during the Korean War. He fondly reminisced about the many places he traveled to around the world during his service. Ron was a member of the American Legion. In 2017 he traveled to Washington, D. C. with his son-in-law Bob Cotier, participating in the Maine contingent of the Honor Flight Network.

Ron loved history. In his retirement years Ron was a docent for the Southport Historical society. He loved conversing with people on any number of topics, in particular, politics. He also loved to bake, especially for his grandchildren. His specialties were “pumpkin whoopie pies and a variety of unique muffins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Priscilla Bissell and brother Alan, his wife Ralva Orchard (London), son-in-law Jamey Kelley and his granddaughter Rachel Kelley.

He is survived by his children, Marie Kelley, Teresa Tess (Mark), Janice Cotier (Bob), Eric Orchard (Jen), Jason Orchard and foster son, Vincent Abaldo. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Samantha Cotier, Amanda Cotier, Madeline Orchard, Abigail Orchard, Brandon Orchard, Allison Orchard, and Skye and Luna Abaldo.

Ron’s family would like to thank the Pen Bay Medical staff for the compassionate care they gave to Ron. It did not go unnoticed and was very much appreciated.