Orrin Gorman McClellan, 25, of Langley, died tragically at his home on Tuesday evening, May 18 around 9 p.m.

A graduate of Bayview School, he went on to become a specialist in the U.S. Army, with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. He served in Afghanistan from 2005-2006.

He was known for his generosity of spirit, time, and diversity of skills. He was compassionate to those less fortunate than himself and was especially helpful to other veterans in need of assistance of any kind.

He was also known for his brilliant sense of humor and creativity. He was highly intelligent, a poet and artist. He was filled with wisdom, passion, persistence and playfulness. Love of beauty was prominent in his character and was especially reflected in his love of even the smallest detail in nature. He had a suburb eye for just the perfect light and angle and most unusual combinations in his photography.

He enjoyed people immensely. He really loved kids and their honest directness in daily life. He was a noble and gentle friend to many folks from all walks of life and of all ages.

Orrin had been earnestly engaging in his life since returning from the war in Afghanistan. He had been persistently coping with his personal needs, improving his home, caring for others and planning for his future despite the wounds of war that had changed him and challenged him every day.

He is survived by his loving parents Perry McClellan and Judith Gorman of Langley; partner, Michelle McGowan; his beloved Grandpa Wilbur, age 101; uncle Bruce McClellan, aunt Nancy Kay and uncle Donald Sinclair; aunt Sue Gorman; cousins Jennifer, Kelly, Sally, Janet, Cassidy, Tara, and many others in his extended family; best friends “bro” Lucas, Audrey, Brian and Eric to name a few of the many, many, many friends who have touched his life and whose life he touched.

A one-hour memorial service, followed by a formal testimonial and reception will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 26 at the Unitarian-Universalist Church on Highway 525, north of Freeland. Everyone is welcome for all, or part, of the afternoon and evening.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the nonprofit Veteran’s Resource Center/ IHC, PO Box 85, Freeland, WA 98249, would be greatly appreciated.

As Orrin wrote in his journal: “… and life goes on, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, out of the flames rises the phoenix, and so will the sun rise tomorrow.”