Andrew Watt (Orbie) Mungall, beloved husband of Emie and cherished father of Kurt Johnson, passed away peacefully at his home in Willard, Utah, on September 20, 2024, at the age of 73.
Back in 2016 we acknoweldge Orbie in the pages of the VCT magazine:
I found the Clipper near Brandon, Nebraska. It had been for sale next to the state highway for 10 yrs. That’s when they (old trailers) were (thought to be) ugly. An air spray service outside Phoenix was the first owner and the post mistress from Ogallala, NE had also owned it. It had Mexican travel permit decals in original Windows from 1963. I bought it for $1,200. and towed it home to Willard, UT with the original tires (stupid). It had the original Servel gas fridge that worked (when I got it), but later had to be replaced due to failing operation and safety. It now has a 1930’s White brand icebox.
The Clipper has an ID tag next to the door, under the Clipper badge, of the salesman in Burbank that originally sold the trailer “Edward Loudinclose.” (Found on the net!). Still has the original covered tail light lens with the “arrows”. The Dixie stove was in perfect shape and works like day one. After an acid wash and many hrs of Rolite polish, it was back to being the beauty it was in ‘52. We have to leave early for any function to have time for folks that ask at store stops, “what the hell is that?” Hard to lose at a RV park or Rally. Light weight and it cuts the air like a razor.
Born on October 11, 1950, in Cedartown, Georgia, Orbie spent his formative years on Lake Hartwell in Clemson, South Carolina. His love for the outdoors was evident from an early age, fostered through his active involvement in the Boy Scouts and later as a Scout Leader. After graduating from Coker College, Orbie ventured westward, drawn by the call of the mountains and the expansive landscapes of the West Coast.
Orbie’s career spanned diverse paths, including service in both the Navy and Army Reserves, culminating in an honorable discharge in 1996. He found his niche in the Seismic industry as a Permit Agent for Typhoon Energy, all the while embracing the Mountain Man Rendezvous culture and his role as the Northwest Regional representative for the Tin Can Tourists.
A dedicated contributor to the Vintage Camper Trailers magazine and an avid member of the Tow Boyz Vintage Trailer Club, Orbie was known for his warmth, humor, and unwavering passion for vintage trailers. He held the position of Rally Master for numerous gatherings across Utah and Wyoming, leaving an indelible mark on the community he cherished.
In his retirement, Orbie remained active within the vintage trailer community until his passing, always eager to share his knowledge and stories with friends old and new. His commitment to preserving trailer history and fostering camaraderie among enthusiasts was unparalleled.
Orbie is survived by his loving wife Emie, son Kurt Johnson, sister Mary Stuart Heath, and brother-in-law Wayne Heath of Beaufort, South Carolina. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Applegate Hospice for their invaluable support during Orbie’s final days.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Andrew “Orbie” Watt Mungall was held in the Spring of 2025. His legacy will live on through the memories and friendships he cultivated in the vintage trailer community.
Rest in peace, Orbie. You are missed.
