Orin "Jay" Givens, 86, of South Bend, Washington, passed away on November 15, 2015, at home surrounded by family.
Born in Flint, Michigan, on August 1, 1929, to Lillie and Robert W. Givens, Jay is remembered by his cherished wife of 67 years, Sallie Givens; his four children, Henry (Cathy) Givens, Monte (Mona) Givens, Jerri (Tom) Neely, and Melody (Mark) Poe; his 10 grandchildren; his 20 great-grandchildren; his sister Charlene (Givens) Fykerude; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his siblings Bob Givens, Jim Givens, and Mickey (Givens) Etherton.
Jay attended school in both Illinois and Washington, as his family moved back and forth between the two states. Three months before he was to graduate from Raymond High School, his father found him a job that required him to leave school - a decision Jay regretted. The importance of having a high school diploma led to earning his GED through Clatsop Community College at age 70. His pride and satisfaction in this achievement is something his family honors in requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the South Bend Baptist Memorial Fund. These funds will enable underprivileged children in Paraguay to receive an education at a school established by Jay's cousin, Sue Givens.
On May 10, 1948, Jay married his sweetheart, Sallie Edwards, in the South Bend First Baptist Church. He was a devoted father to their four children. As a provider for his family, Jay was known by all for his diligence, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail in every task he undertook. He became the machine shop foreman at Olympic Hardwoods/Twin Harbors Lumber Company, eventually managing the trucking department as well. One of the fastest stud mills in the world, it converted from circular to band saw, requiring new equipment. At a young age, Jay was honored to be given the responsibility for designing and constructing the head rig for the operation. For many years he went directly from his work at the mill to the Willapa River, where he owned and operated a gillnet boat, providing faithfully for his family. With gifts and skills that far exceeded his education, he designed and engineered machinery that was still in use at the mill until it closed. In 1985 he joined his son, Monte, in partnership in Givens Construction. Although their projects included beachfront homes and banks, Jay was most delighted with having built the Dairy Queen in Raymond, taking every opportunity to invite family and friends for a treat. He was known for his excellent craftsmanship and integrity, and Jay enjoyed working with Monte until his retirement in 2004.
Together with his wife, Sallie, Jay helped to lead the youth group at South Bend First Baptist Church for many years. When he wasn't serving, he also loved to hunt and fish with his family, and his creative hands were always busy. He learned to embroider and quilt, making beautiful heirlooms for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jay filled pages with drawings and sketches, both silly and sentimental, and even after he retired, he often had a hammer in his hands, helping with building projects for those he loved. Most often though, his hands held a mandolin or a harmonica. He played with a bluegrass group, The Worn-out Shoes, as well as for church services, but most often he played with his family. Sallie's voice blended with his, and their music was woven into the fabric of their family's lives. At every gathering, guitars, piano and violin might join in with the strains of "Old Joe Clark" or "Amazing Grace."
Jay will be lovingly remembered for the music he made and the joy and laughter he brought to others with storytelling and teasing. Children of all ages will remember "Grandpa Jay" for his pockets full of candy. He loved to surprise a child by pulling a Tootsie Roll from behind an ear or bring a grin to an adult who found a Tootsie Pop in hand after a handshake. Having grown up with so little, Jay loved this simple act of bringing delight to others. Even as a child, after scrapping for metal and rags, Jay would use the money he earned to treat his sister, Charlene, to the movies. His hard work - and the generosity with which he lived - will never be forgotten. Jay will best be remembered though for his steadfast love for His Lord, his wife, Sallie, and his family. The faithfulness and tenderness with which he loved his bride was evident to all who knew him. Their love was rooted in their faith in Jesus and flourished in their kindness for each other and their family. Their children and grandchildren will remember the frequency with which he spoke the words, "I love you."
A memorial will be held at South Bend First Baptist Church on December 5th at 1 p.m.