Obituary: Orrin J. Defere

Mr. Defere

Mr. Defere

Orrin J. Defere, 73, of Prescott, Arizona and fourth son of Martha and Peter Defere passed away on Jan. 15, 2015 in Seattle, Washington at the University of Washington Medical Center surrounded by immediate family members.

He took on his challenge of AML cancer for five years fighting it mentally and physically. He participated in over six ongoing research studies at SCCA that will further the study in this research field. He recently had a successful unrelated donor stem cell transplant, which was progressing well. Orrin was 35 days from his 100th recovery date when he developed host disease of the GI tract and died. He died like he lived, giving it his all.

He is survived by his elder sister, Patricia Moeller; youngest brother Lenny Defere; in-laws; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and friends; his wife of over 55 years and high school sweet heart, Pam Wagener who he was often heard referring to as, "my love of my life"; three adult children, Carrie Ann, Joseph J. and Maribeth; five grandchildren Anthony, Brittany and Christina, who's father is Tony Lore, and Joseph R. and Leanna, who's mom is Kathi Defere.

Mr. Orrin Defere attended Sevastopol High School in Sevastopol, Wisconsin. Upon graduation he was honored with outstanding athletic and a mathematics award. He went on to St. Norberts College in Wisconsin, receiving a B.S. Degree. While at the U. of Michigan, in Detroit he was a fellowship recipient in the master of mathematics program and was fortunate to have been a proctor to two nationally known outstanding professors who impacted the direction he chose. While there, he was elected to Pi Mu Epsilon fraternity, The National Honorary Mathematics Fraternity in recognition of superior achievement in the field of Mathematics.

He served our Country at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma Artillery Board rising to First Lieutenant upon discharge. While there he received the USA commendation metal for meritorious service August 1967 for his part in a significant contribution to software artillery development.

While at Lockheed M. & Space Co. in Sunnyvale, California, he went on to get a M.S. in Computer Science at the U. of San Jose in San Jose, California. Mr. Defere worked at LMSC for over 30 years. He managed key positions in both the Space System and the Missiles System. He was known for his managerial style while directing large groups of personnel. He positively changed the lives of those who knew him by assisting them in achieving their life goals. He was a true source of strength for doing the right thing but more importantly for the right reason. He was often recognized for his commitment to leadership qualities.

He held a number of technical, leadership and managerial roles, which contributed significantly to the research and development field. He impacted such projects ranging from the Hubble space telescope, security development to the field of robotics. He enjoyed the challenge that diversity brought however, his heart and mind always favored the cutting edge of the research development field.

In retirement, he continued to explore the night sky, mathematics, computer science and photography, while devoting his personal life to church, family and friends. Those who knew him thank him for being a part of their life.

In lieu of flowers, Orrin asked that any donations be made to a charity of your choice or that you have a mass said to celebrate his life from a church of your choice.

A celebration of his life will be announced at a later.

Information provided by survivors.


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