Orin Dion Swopes

Orin Dion Swopes passed away on
March 14, 2016, at home with his family.
He was born on Oct. 27, 1965, in
Seattle. He was soon adopted by two eager parents
who had been told they would not be able to have
any additional children beyond their first-born child,
Gary Swopes. On Nov. 4, 1965, those proud parents
traveled to Seattle for an opportunity to raise Orin
as their own. He very quickly became a member of
the Swopes family and we would like to think he is
the reason why his parents were blessed with four additional
children within the next several years after
he came home.
He grew up in Walla Walla with his parents and five
siblings. His parents were Truitt and Cleo Swopes,
originally from Milton-Freewater and who preceded
him in death. He is survived by his four brothers,
Gary Swopes (age 55), Roland Swopes (age 48), Loren
Swopes (age 46), Weylen Swopes (age 41); and one
sister, Melissa Swopes (age 42). In addition, he is survived
by his step-father, Richard Landers.
Orin’s love for life and his ability to make nothing
into something was inspiring. He could fix anything
mechanical and had a knack for decorating. He made
every house he owned into a home for himself and
many others. He was known for having a big heart
and always putting other people’s needs in front of
his own. We are certain he did so without wanting
anything in return. He continued to give to others up
until the very end. Orin would love you unconditionally,
stand up for you no matter right or wrong, and
give you the last dollar he had in his pocket. We are
so very proud to be part of this man, son, brothers,
and cousins life.
We had one last gift to share with him during his
last days of life. We were able to share the gift of 100
percent unconditional love and support by bringing
him home to Walla Walla and making him comfortable
in a place to call his own. His cousin, Tina Murr,
traveled from Hawaii and helped care for his 24-hour
needs until the very end. Words can never express our
appreciation and loyalty to Tina during this very difficult
time. In addition, our dearly loved aunt Betty
Norris helped us care for Orin as well.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 18, at
Herring Groseclose Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Interment
will follow at the Dayton City Cemetery. The
family has asked that any memorial contributions be
made to Walla Walla Community Hospice through
Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Friends and family
are invited to sign the online guest book at www.
herringgroseclose.com.