James Oscar Fitzalan Orr - Vancouver

During his nearly 98 years, Oscar Orr has had a distinguished career as a soldier, lawyer, Magistrate, war-crimes trials prosecutor and good citizen.

Born in Saskatchewan, Oscar Orr lived his early life in Ontario and in 1908 came to New Westminster where he entered Columbia College. He pursued a legal career until the outbreak of war in 1914 at which time he went to France with the Vancouver Regiment, was Commissioned in the field and was severely wounded at Ypres.

After World War I he practiced law and became City Prosecutor for Vancouver in 1931. In 1940, he enlisted in the Army yet again, becoming a Major and Judge Advocate General of the Pacific Command. He was later promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and was posted to Japan where he commanded the Canadian War Crimes Section and was awarded an M.B.E.

In 1947, he was appointed a King's Counsel and, in 1953, became Police Magistrate of Vancouver where he remained until 1962. His sensitivity for the unfortunate is well known to all who practised before him. He brought kindness, firmness and dignity to all who appeared before him.

Most everyone who had the opportunity of associating with him were inspired to emulate in their daily lives his integrity, sense of fairness and respectability.

Throughout his life, Mr. Orr has practised quietly philanthropy. His efforts on behalf of soldiers and widows of servicemen, as well as his other charitable endeavours, are not well known, but many have been greatly indebted to him for his efforts. These contributions have continued throughout his lifetime until even today.

Mr. Oscar Orr was unable to attend the Investiture Ceremony and was invested into the Order in a private ceremony in his home.