Obituary of Orrin A. Sandness

Orrin A. Sandness, 82, of Eastford, CT, went home to be with the Lord on Monday January 21, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Buell) Sandness. They were married February 19, 1955. He was born February 15, 1930 in LaMoure, ND, son of the late Arthur and Erna (Lane) Sandness. Orrin was an active member of the Eastford Baptist Church and had served on many boards and committees over the years. Orrin was a member of the Gideons, active for over 45 years. He was an apple grower for most of his life. After his marriage to Barbara, he joined Buell's Orchard, the family farm, working hard to expand and modernize it, and passing it down to his sons. He was a founding member of the CT Apple Marketing Board, a member and past president of the Connecticut Pomological Society, and a member of the Quinebaug Valley Fruit Growers Association. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the US Army. He and his wife enjoyed wintering in Florida for over 25 years. He leaves his wife Barbara, his children: Carol Fooks; Jeffrey Sandness and his wife Patty; Jonathan Sandness and his wife Sharlene, all of Eastford, CT, his grandchildren: Matthew Sandness; Gregory Sandness; Alison Sandness; Mark Sandness; Ethan Sandness; Danielle Benoit, and Justin Benoit; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers: Leroy Sandness and Donald Sandness. Visitation with the family will be held at the Eastford Baptist Church, 133 Union Road, Eastford, CT, on Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 4:00 PM with a Memorial Service at 6:00 PM. A light meal will follow the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to The Gideon Northeast Camp, 86 Crystal Pond Road, Eastford, CT 06242 or Hospice of Northeastern CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. To share a memory with his family "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com