On Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, lifelong Hoquiam resident Orbrey “Orb” Wesley Wieland, 90, passed away peacefully with family by his side following a brief stay at Grays Harbor Health and Rehabilitation Center in Aberdeen.
Orb was born at Hoquiam General Hospital on Dec. 26, 1931, to Eula (Elmer) and Orbrey Wieland. He attended Emerson Elementary School, Hoquiam Junior High, and graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1950, having been a letterman and stand-out athlete in football, basketball and track. Orb played football for Grays Harbor College and briefly attended the University of Washington, also playing Husky football, before returning to Hoquiam to be with his high school sweetheart and dearest love, Sharilyn.
Orb married Sharilyn Peterson on Aug. 16, 1952. Together, they raised five children at the family home in Hoquiam, next door to the house where Orb was raised. The two celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past August surrounded by family.
Throughout his life, Orb was a very hardworking individual. As a young man, he worked various jobs, including commercial razor clam digging, a deckhand on Allman-Hubble tugboats and a delivery driver for Coca Cola. Orb had a respected 60-year career in the dairy distribution business, beginning with Hay’s Dairy in Hoquiam until the business closed, then with Arden Farms and Carnation Dairy, Aberdeen. Orb became sales manager for Dairy Fresh Farms of Olympia in 1981, building a strong and loyal customer base through relationship building and hard work. Orb stepped down from the sales role at age of 65, though carried out some responsibilities for the dairy for another 20 years, continuing to enjoy the relationships he’d fostered over the years, particularly those with company owners Jerry and Marilyn Clark.
When he wasn’t working, Orb was an active hunter, fisherman, gifted woodworker, boatbuilder and skilled golfer. In retirement, he added traveling, cooking and gardening to his many hobbies. Orb lived for autumn when the college and professional football season started, though he also enjoyed following the Seattle Mariners and professional golf.
Orb cherished time spent at the family property on Totten Inlet near Steamboat Island. He spent weekends and summers in his youth helping his parents, grandfather, and siblings clear the land and build the cabin. More than a half-century later, it remains a treasured gathering place for family and friends.
Orb is survived by his wife Sharilyn at their home in Hoquiam, his daughters Joy (John) Schmitt of Ocean Shores, LeeAnn (Brian) Oszman of Central Park and Susan (Tom) Wieland-Niemi of Aberdeen; his son Tom (Anita) Wieland of Olympia, seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Aaron) Blair, Aaron (Trina) Wallin, Andrew (Danielle) Wallin, Melissa (Craig) Cady, Daniel (Carissa) Oszman, Abigail and Dehn Wieland; as well as 11 great-grandchildren. Orb also is survived by his brother Bill (Carole) Wieland of Hoquiam, sisters-in-law Marilee (Jerry) Weber of Hoquiam and Marlene Peterson of Grand Forks, North Dakota, daughter-in-law Sheela Wieland of Aberdeen and numerous nieces and nephews.
One of the most difficult times of Orb’s long life was the death of his oldest son James Wieland of Aberdeen from pancreatic cancer in 2011. Orb also was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Betty Jean and Howard Ray; and his brother-in-law Fred Peterson.
The family would like to graciously thank the various health care professionals who cared for Orb, especially during his recent time of need. A special note of gratitude goes to Dr. John Bausher and Dr. Charles Best.
A private memorial is planned for a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the organization of your choice or to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (https://pancan.org) in memory of his son Jim.
Cremation arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
