Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Ray Orrock Dies
I was sad to read that Ray Orrock, columnist for the Daily Review, has died. I read him daily when I was growing up and until he retired a few years ago.
I liked so much about him. His unadorned wit. His power of observation. His devotion to friends and family. His love of sports cars. The fact that he was a cartoonist. And the fact that writing was a second career for him -- he had originally worked in the public sector, if I recall correctly.
One of Mr. Orrock's taglines was "I'd buy him a drink." (As in, "If I met the guy who invented flavored lipstick, I'd buy him a drink.") About a week after my 21st birthday, I had the good fortune (with the help of some friends) to meet Ray Orrock for a drink at a bar on Winton Avenue in Hayward. It was a great visit.
I really wanted to buy him a drink, but Mr. Orrock insisted on paying. What a gentleman.
Mr. Orrock said in one of his columns long ago that he wanted a palindrome on his grave marker. Here's what he came up with: "Risk Corroded a Jaded Orrock, Sir." Brilliant. I hope he gets his wish.
I liked so much about him. His unadorned wit. His power of observation. His devotion to friends and family. His love of sports cars. The fact that he was a cartoonist. And the fact that writing was a second career for him -- he had originally worked in the public sector, if I recall correctly.
One of Mr. Orrock's taglines was "I'd buy him a drink." (As in, "If I met the guy who invented flavored lipstick, I'd buy him a drink.") About a week after my 21st birthday, I had the good fortune (with the help of some friends) to meet Ray Orrock for a drink at a bar on Winton Avenue in Hayward. It was a great visit.
I really wanted to buy him a drink, but Mr. Orrock insisted on paying. What a gentleman.
Mr. Orrock said in one of his columns long ago that he wanted a palindrome on his grave marker. Here's what he came up with: "Risk Corroded a Jaded Orrock, Sir." Brilliant. I hope he gets his wish.
# posted by F.S. @ 9:07 AM 
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I not only grew up reading him, I also went to high school with his daughters.
IMHO, the most loving and appropriate epitaph that he could ever hope to have on his tombstone would be: "Risk corroded a jaded orrock sir".
That was a brilliant palindrome submitted by one of his fans.
I will certainly miss him!
IMHO, the most loving and appropriate epitaph that he could ever hope to have on his tombstone would be: "Risk corroded a jaded orrock sir".
That was a brilliant palindrome submitted by one of his fans.
I will certainly miss him!
# posted by 
: 10:21 PM
: 10:21 PM
Ray Orrock may very well be the best thing that we've seen, or will see, come along in our generation. Everyday I read him and often thought to myself, "Why is this man not more famous?" He was, in a word, brilliant. What a tremendous loss, not only to his family (they have my most sincere sympathies) but to the everyday man who simply wants to be inspired, wants to laugh, wants to remember that the world is a pretty neat place. Ray Orrock gave us that kind of hope. God rest your soul, Mr. Orrock.
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# posted by : 3:10 AM
: 3:10 AM << Home
