Doug Orr Tribute

Longtime Newport Beach and Corona del Mar resident Doug Orr, who

died March 6, was honored Saturday in a memorial service at Mariners

Church.

Below is a poem that paid tribute to him, titled “The Man in the

Stands,” and was handed out to those in attendance.

“There’s a man in the stands -- he’s watching the game. He’s

everyone’s cheerleader, Doug is his name. He knows all about you, he took

time to find out. Just what makes you happy, and for you he does shout.

When the ball’s in your hands or you just made a steal, he’ll jump up and

shout and make a big deal. When you’re on the floor and you’ve got the

ball, nothing else matters to him, nothing at all.

“He loves to just play, and have laughter and joy. He’s quite a grown

man, yet he’s quite a young boy. His whole life revolves around watching

you play, to be your great cheerleader he plans out his day. He’s at a

new place now, a new set of stands, arms wrapped around him, he’s in very

good hands. This arena has music, and angels, and clapping. There’s so

much excitement, and no time for napping. I’m sure when he got there, all

stood on their feet. A new man in the stands, they were able to meet.

“For you, we applause, we all take off our hats. We pull out the new

china, and the old welcome mats. Doug, we all love you, and we’re glad

that you’re here. Heaven’s been waiting, we stand up and cheer. There are

so many lives that you’ve touched down below. You’re our ultimate fan,

and we won’t let you go. There’s a man in the stands where the sky is so

blue, I’m quite sure he’s still cheering for me, and for you.”