William Henry Ormsby

William Henry Ormsby of Lakeland Florida, formerly from Eastham MA, died Saturday morning at the James Haley Veterans Hospital. He was the son of the late Ralph and Dorothy Ormsby who were longtime residents of Eastham MA and Englewood FL and the brother of the late Sandra Ormsby Howerton. Mr. Ormsby passed the way he lived, surrounded by his family. Born on Oct 17, 1948, Mr Ormsby lived much of his early life on Cape Cod, graduating from Nauset High School in 1967. He enlisted in the Army and served with distinction in Vietnam. Upon his return, Mr Ormsby settled into life on Cape Cod, working at a variety of different occupations. Perhaps he was best known for living out at Walkers Pond in Harwich with his 35 pound rabbit Shakespeare and his two goats, Zelda and Anthony. Mr Ormsby moved to Florida in the late 70’s and he eventually went to Merit Fasteners where he was employed until his illness would no longer allow him to work. A man with a big heart, a wide smile and a great laugh, Mr Ormsby never turned away a stray animal or a person in need. He had a great love for baseball, and could always find the time to talk about his beloved Boston Red Sox. Perhaps the greatest gift that hew bestowed upon the world was his ability to make people forget their worries and enjoy being in the moment. And even though he spent the last 40 years of his life in Florida, his heart was always in Cape Cod. He is survived by his daughter’s Becky of Toledo Ohio, Ashley of Orleans Mass, sons Stephen of Jacksonville Fl, and Jonathan of Cape Cod. Mr Ormsby was the proud grandfather of Keegan, Jacob, Ashton and Gino. He also leaves a nephew Carl of Marshfield MA and a niece Debbie of Brookline MA. He also leaves his adopted family Elizabeth Turner, Kyra Turner and Madison Moultrie Internment is private and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.