Orin Champlin

Orin Raymond "Ray" Champlin Jr. 81, of Melrose, Montana passed away on November 29, 2014 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montana surrounded by his family.  He was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 4, 1933 to Orin and Vera Champlin.  He went to St. Olaf College and enjoyed singing in the choir.  After graduating he taught music in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Montana.  He married Lois Dobak in 1959, they moved to Helena in 1967 and he taught at the Helena High School for 23 yreas.  Since his retirement he divided his time between England, Florida and Montana.  He is preceded in death by his sister, Eva Marie Champlin and survived by his wife, Lois of 55 years, sister, Winnefred Jean Jones, children;  Orin (Linda (Hopple) Champlin, Kari Hand, and Chris (Wanda) Champlin, grandchildren; Breanna Champlin, Alliya Champlin, Brisanna Champlin, Deshawn Lewis, Jessica Levritt, Rachael Marx, great grandchildren; Lyli Peinhardt, Deshawn Champlin, and Tiffany Champlin.  There is a memorial service scheduled for Monday, December 8th at 10:30 AM at Brundage Funeral Home.