wfn.org | ADRA Mourns Loss Of Humanitarian Supporter

["Christian B. Schäffler" <APD_Info_Schweiz@compuserve.com>]

November 2, 1999
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland

ADRA Mourns Loss Of Humanitarian Supporter

Silver Spring, Maryland, USA (APD)   The Adventist 
Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) regrets to announce 
the death of Alvin L. Ortner, the father of Mrs. Patricia 
Watts, wife of ADRA president Ralph S. Watts, Jr. Ortner 
was only days away from his 92nd birthday.

"Alvin will be remembered as a very successful businessman, 
very involved in his community, and the heartbeat of his 
local Seventh-day Adventist church," says President Watts. 
"Alvin gave generously over the years to his church and 
conference for services all over the world, including 
humanitarian assistance through ADRA." He served for 
nearly 30 years on the Missouri Conference committee, and 
at various times on the Mid-America Union and General 
Conference committees.

On the campus of Loma Linda University (LLU), where Ortner 
served as a charter member of the board of counselors, the 
new Geoscience Research Institute building currently under 
construction will be named in his honor. Ornter also gave 
generously in support of Christian education at all levels 
of the Adventist education system.

Ortner received recognition throughout his life as an 
outstanding business leader, with a wide variety of business 
interests. He was dedicated to his community and home 
state as evidenced by regularly assisting new physicians in 
setting up their practices throughout Missouri. 

Ortner was born of second generation German immigrants 
on November 14, 1907, in Hooker, Oklahoma, when at five 
years old, he traveled with his family in a covered wagon to 
Clinton, Missouri, where he lived the rest of his long life. 
"He was a faithful steward that God could entrust with 
resources, and a very wise man," President Watts adds.

Funeral services for Ortner will be held on Thursday, 
November 4, at 2 p.m. in Clinton, Missouri. The services 
will be officiated by President Watts and his son, 
Ralph S. Watts, III.

In lieu of flowers, a special fund has been established at 
the ADRA Headquarters office in Silver Spring, Maryland. 
Call ADRA's toll-free number at 1-800-424-ADRA (2372) to 
make a donation in Alvin Ortner's memory.