Pastor Orville Lind passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022 at his home.
Orville Lind was a man whose actions spoke louder than his words ever could. He was the preacher who was never preachy – slow to speak, quick to forgive and faithful to keep his commitments.
As a father, he never had to lecture his children on the importance of hard work and doing their best. His example was sufficient for all of them to grow up knowing that that’s just what you do. As a husband, he displayed a genuine servant heart until he could serve no longer, and as his family watched his body succumb to the frailty of old age, his gentle and kind spirit never waned.
As a pastor, he was known by his parishioners as a steady rock – a reservoir of wisdom and common sense, a good steward of time and money, a visitor of the sick and elderly, a patient listener, and a firm but calm voice in the midst of any storm. His words were few, but his character gave them weight.
To his children and grandchildren, Orv was known for his fun-loving spirit which was on full display during family vacations at the cabin in Maine. His limitless patience was another trademark, found in the way he taught them to golf and swim, and seen in his determination to fix anything and everything around the house. Family and friends alike will remember Orv as a great storyteller, and for his never-ending delight in reciting the same old jokes that produced the same jolly laugh after hearing his own predictable punchlines.
Raised from good salt-of-the-earth Swedish and Norwegian parents, Orv grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, spending much of his youth involved in the YMCA. His summers during college and seminary were spent working as waterfront director at an outdoor youth camp teaching swimming and boating; and he continued his love for canoeing, fishing, backpacking, golf and camping into his later years.
After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1957, and from Augustana Lutheran Seminary in 1961, Orville Lind was ordained as a minister, and started a new mission church in Monroe, Connecticut. He pastored there at Good Shepherd Lutheran for 7 years before moving to Chelmsford, Massachusetts as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church where he stayed for 33 years until his retirement. At Trinity Lutheran, he started many programs, mentored 17 interns, and was actively involved with Camp Calumet Lutheran serving on the board for many years. His passion for purpose continued after retirement in Fernandina Beach, Florida where he volunteered with the Big Brother / Big Sister program and Barnabas Crisis Center. At Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, he served as a volunteer supply preacher, was an adept Bible study teacher, sang in the choir, and did mission work in Honduras.
Without ever saying it, Orv communicated that excellence and integrity were expected, but bragging was always frowned upon – and without ever using sentimental speech, the time spent with his kids playing catch in the backyard, building go-carts in the basement, playing games, and assembling toys spoke “love” to them louder than words ever needed to. The most he ever stroked their egos was by telling them that they were “definitely above average.” But they didn’t need flattery or hollow praise because they had a dad that made them feel valued. What greater gift could there ever be? What greater legacy could a man ever leave behind than an example of honesty, humility, kindness and faithfulness. He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, but he lived the truth louder than he spoke it.
Orville was preceded in death by his father Selmer Lind, mother Mabel (Johnson) Lind, his daughter Diane Short and grandson Ross Culpepper. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 62 years, Donna Lind; daughter, Laura Culpepper; son, Paul Lind; daughter-in-law Erin Lind; as well as 9 grandchildren – Brad, Graham, Claire, Kathryn and Kara Culpepper, Maddy and Avery Short, and Jenna and Ryan Lind.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Rather than flowers, Pastor Lind’s family encourages donations be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 or The Village Nac which is a non-profit community serving those struggling with chronic mental illness and homelessness, 1188 County Road 823, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964