Orville Clyde Persing, resident of Kamloops, B.C. passed away on March 25, 2018 at the age of 89 years old surrounded by family. He was born To Hazel Benjamin and Lillie May (nee Steward) Persing on March 14, 1929 in Salem, Oregon, U.S.A. He lived in Oregon and California before moving to Canada at the the age of nine. His family moved and settled in Prince George, B.C.
Orville married Ester Tondell on August 21,1953, his wife of more than 64 years. They made their first home in Prince George on the poultry farm. They later moved to Dawson City, Yukon where Orville pastored a church and worked at the Northern Commercial Company. He also started his radio ministry on the local radio station there.
Following their seven year stay in Dawson City they moved to Penticton, B.C. for one year. They then moved on to Greenwood, B.C. to start a new church called Evangel Chapel. While in Greenwood he started a new radio broadcast which he called “Gospel Gems.” His broadcasts were heard in the West Indies and then later in Africa. He also worked as the custodian of the local school to support his family. He was the pastor of the church in Greenwood until the age of 80 years old, showing his perseverance and desire to serve the Lord.
He was a loving husband and father to his three sons and three daughters. His family appreciated his helping hands on numerous occasions. He always put others first and endured hardships without complaint. He was gentle and kind to all and had a great love for others. He was a wonderful example to us all.
He is predeceased by his father Hazel Benjamin Persing, his mother Lillie May (nee Steward) Persing, father and mother-in-law, Carl and Edith (nee Durell) Tondell, brother-in-law Robert Werner, brother and sister-in-law Richard and Myrtle Tondell, brother-in-law Roy Berstad as well as other numerous relatives.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife Ester Persing, his son Eldon (Sheri) Persing, son Wesley Persing, daughter Emily (Terry) Luciow, daughter Doreen Persing, daughter Marlene (Gary) Sasseville, son Leland Persing, sister Opal (Gerry) Seguin, nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. His family and friends will miss him greatly.
The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, April 2, 2018 in the Kamloops Funeral Home Chapel, 285 Fortune Drive. Pastor Terry Luciow officiating. Viewing will be held prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the Rosewood Room at Kamloops Funeral Home. Following the service, Orville will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery, Kamloops, BC.