Lorin John Pontius passed away on April 6, 2018 after a brief illness. Lorin was born on July 29, 1930 in Hartville, Ohio to Sherman and Olive Pontius. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Fern. He is survived by his wife Alice, sisters Eleanor and Connie, and brother Terry. He also leaves behind five children--John (Susan), Randall (Deborah), Brian (Sharon), Janice Lynne Howell (Robert), and Stephen (Kathy); four step-children—Ed Holabird, Myrle Vogel, Jean Benson (Doug), and Gail Woodland (Nelson); 17 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
He grew up in Hartville, attending Hartville schools and Kent State for one year. Throughout his life, he worked as a gunsmith, locksmith, machinist, and miner. He owned or operated many businesses including P & P Machine in Mogadore, Ohio and served as president of the Rotary Club in Hartville. He moved to Nevada in 1976 to seek his fortune in silver and tungsten. He and his son Randy opened Desert Metal Products in 1978, where he worked until this past December at age 87 (taking his regular coffee breaks at 10 and 3). Lorin became a fixture in Lovelock, known for his ability to repair even the most obscure parts for mining and agricultural concerns in Pershing County and beyond. He was also a part of Pershing County Search and Rescue for many years.
Lorin was a true Renaissance man, and his sharp intellect remained, despite his health challenges. He loved reading, exploring the hills, and collecting things. He will be remembered for his curiosity and determination, surpassed only by his mischievous humor and devotion to his beloved Alice.
A celebration of life will be held in Lovelock at a future date. Memorial donations may be made to Pershing County Senior Center, P.O. Box 838, Lovelock, NV 89419.
