Daniel Kent Orlinski

PEMBROKE - Daniel Kent Orlinski passed away suddenly, Tues. Oct. 10, 2023 after a short illness at his home in Pembroke, NH. Born April 14, 1959 in Concord NH, (known by his friends as Dan O) was the son of the late John and Charlotte (O’Neil) Orlinski of Pembroke.  He was an artist, outdoor enthusiast, previous member of the Big Brothers organization of NH, loved his family, loved the Lord and was a joyful singer, enjoyed studying with members of his church.

Over the years his employment included: building log cabins, working at Spectrum Printing, Precision Finishing, and he especially enjoyed working for the Concord Monitor and Manchester Union leader; delivering newspapers early in the morning (observing nature and beautiful sun rises) and having the remainder of the day to himself. 

He was very intelligent, reading books and encyclopedias, listened to NPR and kept up with politics and world events.  He was a Red Sox fan through and through. He loved the challenge of a chess game and enticed family and friends to play, and also taught others how to play. He was an artist, taking beautiful photographs on his hiking trips as well as  a landscape painter.  Quick pencil sketches were drawn for cards and notes he sent out, and later he moved into abstract acrylic painting and assemblages. He was the featured artist at galleries in Concord, Hopkinton and Contoocook. Dan loved mountain climbing and hiking throughout the White Mountains and New England, and later hatched his plan to hike The Appalachian Trail in 1986. He was asked to be in a Lynne Wheldon video production called Five Million Steps and was the featured hiker for the state of Mass. (His trail name was "Easy Does It", which is the way he hiked the trail.) Two years later, he walked across the country, from York, ME to Seaside, OR.  Seven months out and only seven hours to fly back.  Having no fear of heights, he was especially interested in the NASA space program (man’s first walk on the moon) and was passionate about flight. He purchased a para-plane and attempted two flights in March of 1997 at a small air strip in Deering, NH, which unfortunately resulted in a crash.

He will be fondly remembered and is survived by his brother, Thomas Orlinski of Evanston, WY, sisters, Catherine Orlinski of Laconia, NH and Barbara Watson (Paul) of Newfields, NH, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends and loved ones. (Also Paws, his devoted feline friend and companion.) He was predeceased by his brother, Jack Orlinski (Nancy) of Endwell, NY and sister Margaret Orlinski of Brunswick, GA.

A memorial service will be held at the Concord SDA Church located at 310 Sheep Davis Road (Route 106) in Concord, NH on Sunday, Nov. 5th at 10:00am.  A private burial service will be held later this month.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to AMC Cardigan Lodge, 774 Shem Valley Road, Alexandria, NH 03222.

Roan Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.RoanFamilyFuneral.com