Christopher "Chris" Orndorff

Lolo - Christopher “Chris” Orndorff, age 85, passed away on Christmas Eve, after having been in declining health for the past year.

Born in Los Angeles in 1940. After high school he joined the Army in January 1959. Chris served with the 97th Engineer Battalion (construction) of the 5th Army. He spent two years in Europe, stationed in Vassincourt, France building Bailey bridges, etc., and gaining practical construction skills that would prove useful in later years. After he was discharged in 1965, he got a job with the phone company (“Ma Bell”).

After living and working in Southern California until the mid 1970’s, his love of the outdoors and enjoyment in hunting, fishing, backpacking, and mountain biking lead him to move to the Bitterroot Valley in Western Montana. There he continued to work for the phone company until his retirement in 1994. He also started building spec houses on the side to keep himself busy and became a collector of vintage Volkswagen beetles which then led him to more friendships in New Zealand. Chris gained a new “family” of friends and neighbors wherever he went.

Chris was such a great guy, always ready to lend a hand to a friend in need, his garden could feed the entire neighborhood, and his mountain bike was tuned up and ready for the next adventure! Chris requested no official services. Friends and family will gather in July of 2026 for a picnic in remembrance of Chris. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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