Wally, adventurer: drove a tractor across the valley

Wallace “Wally” Fairbourn Orr: A Life of Motion, Integrity, and Heart

Wallace “Wally” Fairbourn Orr was a man who never stood still for long. Born on June 18, 1931, in Granger, Utah, to William Wallace Orr and Ella LaRae Fairbourn, he was the youngest of three children and a proud son of the west-side farming community that would one day become West Valley City. His early life was marked by energy, curiosity, and a streak of mischief that made him both a handful and a delight.

When Wally was just ten years old, his mother passed away—a loss that shaped him deeply. He carried her photograph in his wallet for the rest of his life, a quiet reminder of the love and resilience she represented. His older sisters, Gloria and Carol, tried their best to keep their little brother out of trouble, but Wally’s adventures were legendary. He drove cars into canals, swam and was baptized in those same waters, and once spent an entire day driving a tractor across the valley.

Wally’s school days were as lively as his youth. He hitchhiked from Granger to Granite High School each day, recalling later with a grin that “sometimes I made it to school and sometimes I didn’t.” Those experiences built the grit and independence that would define him for decades to come.

During the Korean Conflict, Wally proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine. Stationed in Hawaii, he worked on the iconic F4U Corsair aircraft with Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214)—the legendary “Black Sheep Squadron.” He was part of the team as they transitioned to the Navy’s first F9 Panther jets, and he remained proud of his service for the rest of his life.

After returning home, Wally married a spirited redhead named Bonnie, and together they raised three children: Debbie, Rick, and Cathy. He began his career as a skilled glass cutter, helping install the original windows in the Quarry Exhibit Hall at Dinosaur National Monument—a grueling winter job that showed his endurance and craftsmanship. Later, he turned his attention to real estate, first with Woodbury Corporation and Chidester Realtors before founding his own firm, Orr Realtors.

Clients and colleagues alike admired Wally’s integrity. In an industry built on promises, he kept his word. He worked tirelessly for his clients, and his honesty and personal touch earned him respect across the Salt Lake Valley. He seemed to know everyone—from governors and church leaders to neighbors and tradesmen.

Wally’s generosity was legendary. Whether he was “Uncle Chuck” to his nieces and nephews, the neighbor who could fix anything, or the dad who expected no nonsense but always showed up when needed—he gave freely of his time, skills, and even his last $20. His children and grandchildren remember a man who built things with his hands and his heart, who could change a tire, build a fence, or offer quiet advice with equal care.

He passed away on August 17, 2017—true to form, quickly and without “dilly-dallying,” as he liked to say. Wally left behind a legacy of integrity, humor, and hard work—a man whose life reflected the pioneering spirit of Granger itself.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bonnie, daughter Cathy, grandson Jake, and sisters Gloria and Carol. He is survived by his children Debbie (Reed) and Rick (Sallee); seven grandchildren—Jayson (Danielle), Jennie, Ashlee, Amanda (Kevin), Hana (Shawn), Josh (Ellie), and Jenibeth (Matthew); and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Those who knew Wally will remember his laughter, his loyalty, and his favorite farewell:
“Catch you later.”

And so, with one last smile, Wally has moved on to his next great adventure.