Orrin 'Jay' Mccausland

Jay was an officer, gentleman and a man of many talents. As an adventurer, he loved the outdoors and physical activities especially golf, tennis, fishing, hunting, hiking and biking. At one point, his business card titled him a 'recreational generalist'. Born in Minneapolis in 1943, Jay attended elementary through high school there. After attaining his Bachelor's degree from St. Thomas, Jay entered the Air Force in 1966. His academic achievements include receiving a Master's degree from UNC in 1976. While in the Air Force he served two tours in Vietnam where he was in charge of an Aeromed Evac Unit. During his time there, he came in contact with Agent Orange which eventually took his life. Jay was also stationed in New Jersey, Alaska, Arizona, Korea and Colorado; he retired from the Air Force in 1987 with the rank of Major. His size 13 boots were perfect for hiking around the world. While stationed in Korea, he joined a Korean climbing club and did hikes throughout Korea and Japan including Mt. Fuji. Jay joined the Colorado Mountain Club in 1980 and hiked almost every weekend with them. At last count, he had climbed twenty-six 14,000 ft peaks. Jay also participated in international trips with the CMC to Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Norway, Tanzania and Nepal and regional backpacking trips into the Grand Canyon, Glacier, Wind River, Yellowstone, Snowy Mountains, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Tetons and the Appalachian Trail . After many years, he finished hiking all 486 miles of the Colorado Trail. Jay also enjoyed the water. He canoed the Boundary Waters, Missouri River and the Everglades; rafted the Grand Canyon, and other whitewater rivers in the Western US; and fished in Mexico, Alaska, Canada, Lake Powell and local lakes and rivers. Other athletic achievements include: twice completing Ride the Rockies, finishing two marathons, one triathlon and numerous 10K's. Jay also channeled his inner cowboy and joined a seven-day cattle drive. He led several cross-country ski and hut trips in CO. and played senior softball and tennis in AZ and CO. Jay hunted in Alaska (Dall sheep, Moose and Caribou) and Colorado (elk and deer). In addition to his myriad of activities, he found time to travel. After retiring from the Air Force he spent three months in New Zealand, six months in Australia, one month in the Cook Islands and one month in Tahiti. Next was South America, backpacking for 4 months in Peru, Chili and Argentina. In 1989, Jay married Patricia Mallon and they enjoyed a three-week honeymoon in Venezuela. They continued to travel together to Thailand, Costa Rica, China. Scandinavia and Indonesia. In 1998 they became 'snow birds' splitting their time between Colorado and Arizona. Such a lifestyle change allowed for even more outdoor activities! As you can tell, Jay led a full life. He accomplished all the things on his bucket list and Jay and Pat hope you will all be able to say the same thing... On November 15, 2017, Jay passed away at Collier Hospice with his wife by his side. Burial will be on March 9, 2018 at Fort Logan National Cemetery . Cars should assemble @ 1:45 at Staging Area 'A'. A celebration of Jay's life will follow at the Molly Brown Summer House, 7595 W. Yale from 2:30- 5:00. All who would like to attend are welcome. Donations in his name can be sent to: Denver Rescue Mission, Freedom Service Dogs of America or the Colorado Trail Foundation.