Richard Allan Orr, a longtime teacher and lifeguard, passed away in his Sunset Mesa home on May 19 after a long battle with cancer. He was 79. Richard, known as Dick, was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on June 30, 1931. His family later moved to California, where Dick attended Compton High School and Compton Junior College. He then joined the army, serving for three years in the military police during the Korean War. Dick was a natural athlete who lettered in four sports in high school. He received a full athletic scholarship to Brigham Young University, where he played football and was active in other sports. He graduated in 1960 and landed a job teaching physical education and history at Airport Junior High in Los Angeles. He also played professional football with the Baltimore Colts for two years. On June 15, 1961, Dick married Esther (also known as Inga Neilsen). The two had first met on Venice Beach near Navy Street, where Dick was a lifeguard, working summers. As a rookie lifeguard, Dick was posted at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, but he spent 50 years working at all beaches. His last post was on Will Rogers State Beach at Tower Eight, near Temescal Canyon Road. Beyond strength and skill, Dick possessed a friendly, relaxed manner that was key in helping victims who were often panicked in the water, especially when caught in a riptide. Dick also taught for the Los Angeles Unified School District for 33 years, retiring in 1996 from Daniel Webster Middle School in West Los Angeles. He was credentialed in all subjects and taught history, geography and biology as requested, but preferred to teach physical education classes. He developed a reputation for straightening out troubled youth and helped turn around many young lives. Dick and Esther traveled all over the world during their 50 years together, and she has many good memories. He is also survived by his son David, a local resident. A memorial will be held on Sunday, June 5 at 9 a.m. at the north side of the Venice breakwater and Dick’s remains will be taken out to sea by a lifeguard boat.
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