Orville was born to Floyd and Clarissa Quick on February 8, 1922, in Elm Creek, Nebraska. In April 1930, Orville and his family moved twelve miles west of Circle, MT to continue their farming interests. Orville attended Beauty Valley Grade School and Circle High School graduating in 1939. Due to the Depression and the lack of any jobs, Orville joined the Army in November 1940. Orville was stationed at Schofield Barracks on the island of Oahu, HI, in August 1941. He was always quick to point out that this was "just in time to witness and participate in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor" when recounting serving in World War II. As a member of the 804th Engineer Battalion, Orville spent the remainder of the war building emergency airfields on various Pacific Islands as quickly as the infantry secured the beachhead. He was honorably discharged September 8, 1945, returning to Circle. Orville was proud of his service in the military and during Desert Storm in 1991 he told many that he and friend Merlin Shennum were ready to go if the Army would just call them.
In September of 1946, Orville married Myrtle Mae Lloyd in Billings. From this union were born Ronnie Quick (Marlene) of Billings, Larry (Dolly) Quick of Circle, Phyllis (Dick) Beery of Circle, Sharon (Roscoe) Schmidt of Brockway, and Tammie (Don) Hinebauch of Billings.
Orville and his family continued to live in Circle until 1951. In 1952, they moved to the family homestead where they continued to farm until 1970. In 1971, Orville and his family returned to Circle where he owned and operated Circle Building Supply, a retail lumber yard until 1980.
In 1980, Orville was hired as Curator of the McCone County Museum. Orville was involved in cataloging the thousands of artifacts and building the various displays that housed them. Along with the multitude of items to view were an original blacksmith shop, an old time barber shop, and a large display of rifles and pistols. One of the most popular items was his wildlife display including a stubble field full of feeding ducks and geese.
Over the years, Orville added to the museum complex. This included a country school, a country church, railroad caboose and depot, and his final creations - a multitude of hand made cement dinosaurs. Orville created and built a museum in Circle that is known far and wide for his dedication and perseverance in preserving Montana´s past. Orville retired as Curator in 1996 after 16 ½ years of service.
During his tenure as Curator, Orville was also involved in the Circle community serving as Chamber of Commerce President for two years. He was instrumental in working with the Fish and Game Department and the local landowners to provide a solid Hunter- Landowner Relationship. In 1985, Orville received the "Citizen of the Year" award for further advancing Circle and McCone County. He was also involved in many other state and local civic organizations giving of his time and energy to promote his love of Circle and Montana.
Following retirement from the museum, Orville continued with his love of working with his hands and built a 12 foot high 35 foot long cement brontosaurus in his back yard that was later relocated for display at the Tastee Freez in Circle. Orville also worked in his yard raising flowers and garden produce that he happily gave away to his family and friends.
He will be remembered for his love of telling a story and maybe stretching it a little from time to time. When people heard you were from Circle many would ask if you knew Orville Quick. He made friends everywhere he went and will be greatly missed.
Orville was preceded in death by his wife Myrt who passed away in 1993, and one brother, Glen Quick. He is survived by his children and their spouses, 21 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; sisters Donna Yarger, Helen Waller, and Lila Green; brothers Donald Quick and Lyle Quick; and many nieces and nephews.
Public visitation will be held on Monday, September 26, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and a private family service from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Faith Assembly of God Church in Circle. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
16:00 to 18:00
Monday September 26, 2011
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Avenue
Circle, MT 59215
Private Family Service
18:00 to 20:00
Monday September 26, 2011
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Avenue
Circle, MT 59215
Funeral Service
14:00
Tuesday September 27, 2011
Faith Assembly of God Church
Circle, MT 59215
Service Schedule
Visitation
16:00 to 18:00
Monday September 26, 2011
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Avenue
Circle, MT 59215
Private Family Service
18:00 to 20:00
Monday September 26, 2011
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Avenue
Circle, MT 59215
Funeral Service
14:00
Tuesday September 27, 2011
Faith Assembly of God Church
Circle, MT 59215
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Guy Lund says
I am so saddened to hear of Orville’s passing. When I was working in Circle I had many opportunities to visit with him, at the museum and all around town. Orville will be missed by many.
Mary Kasten Grube says
To the Family of Orville Quick: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I loved Orville, as did many. I can still remember ice skating at the rink, and what a kind person he was. He cared about everyone. I can remember how he would visit with my dad. One more memory was my walking into Walmart, and who would be greeting me there, but Orville Quick. He remembered me, and he was sure to visit with me every time I’d go there. May many memories help you to cope with the void in your life! Blessings. Love from Mary Kasten Grube
Judy Hastetter Walter says
When I think of Orville, I have a smile on my face. So many good memories of him when I grew up, from playing hockey at the rec center, playing pool and of course listening to some of the funniest stories.
So sorry to hear of his passing, what a wonderful generation of men and women are leaving us, but with good good memories.
So sorry for the loss to you all!
Greg Berger says
My deepest condolences go out to the entire Quick family and the town of Circle. Orville was an icon in that town. I remember way back when he was my baseball coach…to this day, I still remember the lessons that he taught us. He was a proud father. I was privelaged to know him and we lost one of the last of the Pearl Harbor survivors. I cannot thank Orville enough for what he brought to the community of Circle. He was an open and sincere man that just wanted to see change and improvement for our little community. God Bless your soul, Orville and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jessie Bateson says
Thank you Orville for all the memories. For teaching me to laugh at and enjoy the little things. You’ll be in my heart forever!
Jess Bateson
Beverly Harris says
Helen and Donna: So sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.
Ray Lee Barber says
I am so saddened to hear of your Dad/Grandpa Orville’s passing. When I was vitisting in Circle, I had a couple opportunities to visit with him. He showed the kids & I many neat things he’d done at the museum. Orville will be missed by many.
What an awesome man ….my heart & prayers of comfort goes out to Rhonda & family, Kellie & daughter, Aunt Sharon & Uncle Roscoe…..and the whole town of Circle. Love ya, Ray Lee
Dustin Thoeny says
Sorry for everyone’s loss this is not just a loss of a family member but staple that made Circle good ole hometown. He will be missed greatly.
Susan Allen says
There is a place where care cannot enter, where happiness as no limit, where peace is part of every moment. A place where time is eterna, where love lasts forever, where everything is perfect. A place beyond where loved ones meet again. See you there, Hero.
Tammy Leeson says
You will be missed greatly..
Jerianne Chezum Jones says
Along with my sister Teri & Glenn Heitz, and my young sons(dinosaur lovers) had the privilege of visiting Orville at his home (when his Brontosaurus was still in his back yard.) His yard, of course, contained many other wonderful, interesting & fun things to enjoy along with Orville himself!
Jeff & Chris MacInnes says
Having only known Oroville for just a few months, he touched our lives forever. Easily one of the finest, funniest, most caring and genuine people we have ever met, he became our friend. We will always remember him with the fondest of thoughts. Rest well dear friend and remember to plant those tomatoes on time!
Monte Atkinson says
My condolences to the entire Quick family. Circle will not be the same with the passing of Orville. Considered Orville and Myrt family for many years. Tried to always make sure to visit with him on trips back home. Orville worked with Dad for a time in the old Reynolds store and it was always fun to hear their stories. They can now share those stories again. A true hero and true friend in my book. Rest In Peace- Orville.
Constance Griffith says
To the family of Orville Quick,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the entire family. While I have not had the pleasure of personally meeting your father and grandfather, I am truly sorry for your loss.
In times like these, I turn to God’s Word the Bible for comfort, and I would like to share with you a wonderful promise he has made to us in John 5:28,29 which says in part, “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”
Also Revelation 21:3,4 gives us this assurance, “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more.”
May you all find much needed comfort in these future promises. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in this most difficult time.
Cheri Keaster says
You touched my heart in just the short time I knew you,you will truly be missed.
Jere and Alexina Sullivan Spokane Wash. says
Sorry for your loss. He did a lot of things for Circle and McCone county.
I usto help out some when he hd a photo and taxiderm shop across the street from my folks office on main street. That was in the 40s some time
Nita Crockett says
So sorry for the loss of your dad, grandfather, brother, Orville. What an awesome man he was and will forever be. He truly was a hero and one that I will forever remember to be “one of the great” With pride, he did everything, whether fighting for his country, raising his family, growing his garden or just plain teaching the young. May he rest in peace and may you have the strength to get through all of the tomorrows without him. You all need to be very proud…. What a man! Love, Nita and Ed Crockett and Family
Jessica Bradley says
I am so sorry for the loss of Papa Orville! My thoughts and parayers are with you all! May the many wonderful memories of him give you peace in this time of great sadness.
I wish I could be there for the service, but am sadly unable to make it. I will be there with you in my thoughts.
Destiny Carlson says
I used to wait on Orville for many years at Gallaghers, here in Miles City…He was a very wonderful man!! Sorry for your loss
Destiny
Julie Mahler says
It always made my day to cross paths with Orville and have a chat. I will surely miss him.
Brent Ross says
Wow… I know this is a bit late!! But I came across it just browsing…
We grew up next to Orvalles “Quick Recreation Center” Orvalle was a great guy who was very caring! He taught me and my brother a lot and also gave us work to help him out!! I always like Orvalle and I do miss the simpler times…. watching him stuff animals… tan skins… raise raccoons … ice skating on his rink!
Naneki Elliott says
I recently purchased an item from a store near where I now live in Green Valley, AZ. It is a lovely circular piece of beadwork. On the back is a sticker with the name Orville M. Quick, Circle, Montana. Curious, I googled Orville Quick’s name and came across this obituary. if anyone reads this comment, could they respond and let me know if Orville did the beadwork himself or had purchased it. It is great to know that Orville was such a lovely man.