Kevin Rader/Political Reporter
Indianapolis, March 11 - Former Indiana Governor and U.S. Ambassador Robert Orr is being remembered as a gentleman governor - who led Indiana to education reform and economic revival after the 1980s recession - and never lost his passion for public service or politics.
He died Wednesday at IU Medical Center at the age of 86. The cause of death was believed to be heart arrhythmia.
Orr served as governor from 1981 to 1989. He was the state's last elected Republican governor.
"I want all Hoosiers to feel the intense excitement I feel as we set tough goals for better education and reach them." Those were Bob Orr's words in 1985. Now, that sense of excitement Orr felt in his 1985 gubernatorial inaugural address has given way to a sense of loss.
State Supreme Court Justice Randal Shepard, in his statement on the man who appointed him to the high court, says it well. "I feel a weighty sadness about losing such a friend, but somehow it feels wrong to weep over a life so well lived."
Governor Orr is remembered as the man who energized Indiana's economy in the 1980s and overhauled the state's education system during his eight years as governor from 1981 to 1989.
Senator Richard Lugar credits Governor Orr's successes for bringing a new idealism, energy and pride to the Hoosier state. A point demonstrated in his 1984 State of the State address. "We have the opportunity to decide our own fate. To initiate rather than respond."
In his statement, Senator Lugar said, "Governor Orr was tireless in leading Indiana and the United States to have an international perspective and a clear vision of how our business and education opportunities could flourish if we sought to compete more effectively."
Governor Orr was in the front row just six months ago, along with governors Ed Whitcomb and Doc Bowen, to say farewell to Governor Frank O'Bannon.
The 45th governor was also there for current Lt. Governor Kathy Davis just days later.
A member of the lieutenant governor's extended family, he was there to show support as she took her historic oath of office.
Governor Joe Kernan, in a written statement, said, "Bob Orr devoted his life to the service of the people of Indiana and America. He was always willing to share his good counsel and offer his support. He was a friend who will be missed."
In his 1989 farewell to the legislature, Governor Orr, who went on to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Singapore, quoted Cicero. "An actor need not remain on stage until the very end of the play if he wins applause in those acts in which he appears. And so with life. I bid you goodbye, good luck and God bless you all."
Funeral services for the former governor are likely to take place Tuesday, but details are still developing.
