“He was a servant his whole life. He just wanted to be a servant.” That was how one friend remembered Ralston Fire Chief John Orr, whose funeral service was held Saturday at the Ralston firehouse on Route 14. He died May 26 following an illness.

There were tears, hugs and even a few laughs as scores of family members, friends and numerous firefighters throughout Lycoming and Bradford counties gathered to pay tribute to John Orr, who was a leader and a mentor to many.

“If it could glow, his thumbprint would be all over this fire station,” another speaker told the crowd.

A retired electrician and a graduate of the Canton Junior-Senior High School and Lock Haven State University, Orr was a member of the Ralston Volunteer Fire Company for 52 years, the last 24 years as chief.

“He loved his community and he loved his firehouse. The only thing he loved more was his family,” a speaker said.

Besides the reading of scripture and the reciting of a few prayers, the service also included bagpiper Timothy Swan, of Osceola, playing Amazing Grace, among other pieces of music.

Black bunting adorned the front of the fire station as well as Station 17 fire trucks. As a sign of mourning and respect, this is a tradition often done when a fire company member has died.

“John was so kind to everyone, a gentle soul with an enormous smile,” one friend said.

“He was one who cared about people. He cared about anyone and everyone,” another said.