Orland Emmett O'Donnell

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Orland Emmett O’Donnell, on December 18, 2024. 

He is survived by his brother Michael (Roxanne) and sister Viola; daughter Heather; son Andrew (Kelly Gallan); grandchildren Ashton Crawford (Kolby), Amanda O'Donnell (MacKenzie Colford), and Wade MacWilliams; great-grandchildren Kolton and Kenley Crawford; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Ramsey and Lena O’Donnell, his wife Kathleen (Atcheson) O’Donnell, and special companion and friend, Judy Morehouse.

Orland was born in Doaktown, N.B. After graduating and completing his training, he began his career at NB Power. This job took him to several communities across New Brunswick, but he eventually settled in Blackville. He enjoyed a career spanning over 45 years with NB Power, retiring in 2013.

Orland was deeply involved in his community. He volunteered as a hockey coach, served on the recreation committee, and was always ready to help with village events when asked. One of his proudest achievements was his involvement with the Blackville Volunteer Fire Department. He joined in March 1985 and served until December 2015. During this time, he attended and organized training sessions as well as social and community events sponsored by the department. He served as Chief of the Fire Department from 2013 to 2015.

Orland had a profound love and appreciation for nature. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, often guiding fishing trips to Plaster Rock, canoeing the Cains River, and hunting deer, moose, and the occasional bear. One of his favourite pastimes was "taking a drive," often exploring the backroads and wilderness he cherished so much. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with friends where the food was plentiful and so were the stories told around the wood stove. A lover of animals, he also had dogs and cats and in recent years often had daily visits with Amanda’s horses to say hello and bring treats. He always had to stop and say hi to people he knew and always had a joke or funny comment for all that knew him. 

He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. 

Visitation will take place at Northumberland Funeral Home, on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held at Northumberland Funeral Home Chapel, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11 am.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or to a memorial of one's choice.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home & Crematorium, 102 Pleasant St., telephone (506) 622-7741. Where your loved one never leaves our care.