Orion was born on a mountain top in Tennessee on January 8, 1981, coincidentally the same day as Elvis Presley. He was delivered on a cold wintery night up in the loft of a one room cabin. Brought forth into the world by a tiny midwife, Mrs. Omi Hubbard, who had been delivering babies up on the mountain since she was 16 years old and never had any problems. Orion already had a Big brother, Zephyr, who was ready to introduce him to the wonders of the world and to Chatawala, a loud yappy little chihuahua who was crazy about licking butter Orion was born on a mountain top in Tennessee on January 8, 1981, coincidentally the same day as Elvis Presley. He was delivered on a cold wintery night up in the loft of a one room cabin. Brought forth into the world by a tiny midwife, Mrs. Omi Hubbard, who had been delivering babies up on the mountain since she was 16 years old and never had any problems. Orion already had a Big brother, Zephyr, who was ready to introduce him to the wonders of the world and to Chatawala, a loud yappy little chihuahua who was crazy about licking butter wrappers.

Orion's father and mother were learning to live a self-sufficient lifestyle working in a small community of several families' growing food, co-oping and learning how to build solar kilns.

The family moved to Indiana for a brief stay and then they moved to Maryland where Orion spent much of his life. He was home schooled learning academic and practical life skills. He was already a budding chef when he joined the 4-H club. He entered contests at the annual county agricultural fair winning first prize with his place setting designs. He took a great interest in the kitchen, and he could locate anything someone might need.

Orion was a loquacious little boy. Outgoing and kind to strangers, even making friends while standing in line for the theater, and ending up sitting with them. As a little tyke, shop owners would exclaim, "What a cute little boy!" And he would often emerge with free saltwater taffy, fries, ice cream, and other gifts.

When Orion saw someone in need of help his nature was to assist them by, holding the door open, carrying a bag, and even engaging in conversation. Sometimes he would be playing in his room, and it would sound like a group of children talking, a trait he carried into adult hood. He was amusing and hardly ever quiet.

Orion continued his education at Sligo Middle School and then onto Albert Einstein High School where he met many of his lifelong close friends. He was a member of the local Kensington Boy Scout troop. Orion and his friends, like all teenagers, tested the boundaries, got into mischief, had adventures and learned the joys of friendship.

Orion worked at Ranger Surplus, a camping and outdoor supply store. He had grown up with a family whose vacations were all about camping: Camping at the beach, in the woods, by a lake. So, he was prepared to help people with their camping and outdoor explorations.

His culinary skills continued to beckon to him. He worked at several restaurants, "Eggspectations", "The Magic of New Orleans", and as a Produce Manager at "Fresh Market".

He had known a pretty little girl, Spirit Wedmore, as a child, and they reconnected as young adults at a party. They began to date, fall in love, and then marry. She had a son, Noah, and now they were a family.

After several years of marriage, a lifelong dream came true for Orion, he became a FATHER to his own beautiful bright baby girl on November 19th, 2015. They named her Autumn, the season in which she was born.

In 2017 Orion made a career change. He started a delivery route for grocery stores and named it Orion Distribution. He was quite thrilled to have his own business. This route became the support and lifeline for him and his family, including his cats, dogs, fish and more.

As the years passed Autumn filled his sails with joy and delight even as his marriage ended. Autumn and Orion began a new life together. They enjoyed deciding where to go and what to do. They built complicated lego worlds, they shared Monster Golf, they explored different historical sites, such as Mount Vernon, Montpellier, Williamsburg, the Amish country of Pennsylvania, as well as going to a large family reunion in 2024 at the Gulf of Mexico. They enjoyed the everyday tasks of grocery shopping, making meals and deciding what they would do, and where they would go the next day. Their love for each other was and is strong. Orion devoted himself to Autumn's health and well-being. When she was with him: LIFE WAS GOOD.

Orion loved his family wholeheartedly. Some of the family members he was particularly close with were his Grandmother, Gigi, his Great Aunt Mary, and his Aunt Lynda.

Sadly his life came to an abrupt end on August 3rd, 2026 at age 45. He left his mark on the hearts of so many beings including his chickens, and his cat, Ariel, who continues to look for him. We are left speechless at the passing of Orion who had such gusto for life. He is survived by his Mother June Lang, his Father Richard Cottrell, his Brother Zephyr Cottrell, his Aunt Lynda Wever, his Uncle Bob Wever, his Cousin Joe Wever, his beloved Daughter Autumn Cottrell, and many, many relatives. He is lifted up by his friends, John Borko, Jason Ferris, Morgan Morgan, Garret Morgan, and Ben Carter. We will always love you Orion and continue to learn from you and the lessons you planted in our hearts. May you be free and happily reunited with the Infinite. 

Services entrusted to Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care.