Orrin Souers

Orrin Souers of Lakebay died Feb. 20 in the log home he built overlooking Mayo Cove, surrounded by family. He was 76.

The Key Peninsula was in Orrin’s bones. His great-grandfather bought 40 acres on the KP in the early 1900s as a summer destination for his family and friends. In summer 2025, the first member of the sixth generation will start enjoying the land that is so important to so many people.

Orrin spent every summer of his life at Lakebay. As a teenager, he worked at Penrose State Park. Decades later, he towed his grandchildren on boogie boards behind the plywood hydroplane he built, which the kids called “the sharky boat.” He moored his big green tug in front of his home for years, where it became a KP icon.

He regularly volunteered at Evergreen Elementary School, building projects with students or supplying parts and instruction for 350 to 400 students for field day. One project that brought Orrin great joy was working as one of the volunteers who restored the Shenandoah at the Harbor History Museum. Eventually, his health prevented him from continuing to volunteer actively, but it was always in his heart.

Orrin was preceded in death by his mom and dad, LaVern and William Souers. He is survived by Therese, his wife of 35 years; his siblings, Juel, Ona, and Jod; his children, Annie and Justin; and stepchildren, Carys and Eric. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Peyton, Hannah, Jacob, Audrey, Ellie, Greta, and Morgan, who were absolutely the loves of his life. Nothing made him happier than watching his grandchildren play on the same beach where he played as a child.

We will celebrate Orrin’s life Memorial Day weekend at the family beach. There will be a private celebration with family May 24. On May 25, the celebration will be open to anyone who would like to visit.