Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 12:00 a.m.
Orban, Chris
CHRISTOPHER ORBAN, beloved husband of Valerie Orban, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, December 10, 2018 at the age of 56 years.
CHRISTOPHER ORBAN, beloved husband of Valerie Orban, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, December 10, 2018 at the age of 56 years.
Besides his loving wife, Val, he is survived by his children, Brance (Timea) Orban, Tayler (Mark Weitz) Orban and Chortney (Clayton Redel) Orban; his parents, Joe & Dorothy Orban; his parents-in-law, Joe & Verla Liptak and his sibling, Scott (Shelly) Orban and their children Blake, Sarah (Jordan) & James, siblings-in-law Dave (Lisa) Liptak and their children DJ, Kayce & Diezel and Cathy Trempner and her children Madison (Jayden Kooy) & Zach.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Jerry Orban and Todd Orban; his grandparents, Joe & Elizabeth Orban and Fred & Pat Snell; his uncles, Jay Braun and Dave Snell and cousin, Jason Snell.
Chris was born in Taber on December 12, 1961 to Joe & Dorothy Orban. He married Val Liptak, the apple of his eye, on June 7, 1986. That same year was of great significance to Chris and Val, as it was that year they bought a house as well as JCST Sports in Taber, which Chris ran for several years. Two years later, he and Val welcomed their first child, Brance, who was followed by Tayler in 1991 and Chortney in 1996.
Prior to marrying Val, Chris played college hockey with the SAIT Trojans, then professionally in Scotland for the Fife Flyers. In 1986, the year of their wedding, Chris was offered a chance to continue his professional hockey career in North America, but he declined and chose to commit his focus to starting his family and continued to run the family business. He taught golf at the Taber Golf Course and took initiative to revamp the Taber Buccaneers; the senior men's team from his hometown.
Though he decided to move on from his professional hockey career as a player, Chris was an extremely valued athlete and teammate overseas and with the Olds Grizzlys (formerly the Taber Golden Suns). In Scotland, he earned the Man of the Match award, which is given to the player who accumulates the highest number of star nominations from each game. With the Golden Suns, he was awarded with the Most Heart & Guts Trophy; an award that was created exclusively for Chris as a special acknowledgment to the sacrifices he made for the team. The trophy was physically massive to symbolize the size of Chris' heart. The year after, when the Golden Suns moved to Olds and became the Grizzlys, Chris was named the first ever captain of the team. That award sat in his home until his son, Brance, won Rookie of the Year in 2007, at which point Chris donated it to the Grizzlys to present to every future Rookie of the Year recipient. Chris and Brance's names are the first two names on the trophy.
His and Val's working careers took them all over the province. In 1989, Val started her Day Home. In 2003, they moved to Calgary to pursue an opportunity to run a sporting goods store. Eventually, they moved to Lethbridge where Val continued her Day Home and Chris chased a career in salon sales. He won numerous awards in sales and business, such as Top Colour Sales for ten consecutive years, but most importantly he established countless relationships.
On February 1, 2015, Chris was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His disease did not slow him down; he still played hockey, went to the gym, traveled around the world and spent summers at the lake. On August 3, 2018, he was able to attend Brance & Timea's wedding in Hungary. It wasn't until 34 months after his diagnosis that Chris succumbed to his illness - over twice as long as the average expectancy.
Throughout his entire life, Chris exemplified perseverance, courage and heart; he never quit and he never gave up, no matter what was at hand. Family was everything to him; Orban's are warriors and he was no exception.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. AUGUSTINE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber, AB on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. with Father Eligio Canete, celebrant.
A Celebration of Life Reception will follow at the TABER COMMUNITY CENTRE, 4712 - 50 Street, Taber, AB on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. The family kindly encourages everybody to wear a jersey!
The family would like to acknowledge all of the Hockey Brothers; though too numerous to name, your impact on Chris' life will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris' memory may be made to the Kidsport Lethbridge & Taber, 1001 - 3 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0J3 or online at www.kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/lethbridge-taber.
Guestbook (37)
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I knew Chris when he played for the Olds Grizzlys. Such a nice guy. Many years later I ran into him in Lethbridge when my son and Brance played midget hockey together. So sorry for his passing. My prayers are with his entire family.
I'm so sorry to hear of Chris' passing. RIP. Take care Joe, Dorothy and Scott.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May your wonderful memories comfort you now and always.
I will miss Chris! He was a great guy and I enjoyed his visits to Milk River. He's got a heck of a hockey game going on up there!
It was with immense sadness that we heard the news of Chris's passing. We will always remember him fondly. Chris worked with all of us for many years and was loved by both his colleagues and his customers alike. I will always remember Chris's love for food and that little devilish grind as he went back to the buffet for seconds. Although Chris hadn't worked with us for a few years, he continued to stay in touch with regular updates, which we so appreciated. To Val and Chris's entire family we are sending our love and hugs to all for your loss, please accept our heartfelt condolences, from all of at ESP Salon Sales.
Our sympathies to the Orban family. Once a Grizzly, always a Grizzly..Rest in peace.
So terribly sorry to you and your family Brance at the loss of this great man. You're in our hearts.
Val, I'm so sorry to hear about Chris' passing. I hope that memories that the two of you created over the years with your family will give you comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My deepest condolences Val. Chris was a really great guy and I know he will be missed deeply by you and your family.
Val and family / Joe and Dorothy Willie and I are very saddened to learn that Chris had to yield to his dreaded cancer, despite valiant protests by both his mind and his family. Sad too Joe and Dorothy as you endure once again a parents worst nightmare. However as a family you will always remember the good memories, relish his spirit and his passion and that he was able to follow it (which few can do). Our sincerest condolences to you all. We will be holding you all in our thought and prayers as you move through this difficult time. Heaven be with Chris and his family. "A menny legyen Chris -szel es csaladjaval"
Dearest Val, Brance, Tayler, Chortney and families, The entire Zanolli family was so very saddened to hear about Chris' passing. We knew he had been ill but had no idea how serious his illness was. As you already know, Chris had a unique way of communicating with everyone and putting all at immediate ease with his friendly smile and genuine sense of truly caring. He was always very supportive of all who had the absolute pleasure of knowing him. We know he will be greatly missed! Sadly, we will be away during the time of his funeral but please know that this condolence from all of us comes with a great big hug and words that we hope would comfort you as though we were there in person. We wish all of you the very best and pray for your continued health and happiness as you all continue on your journey through life. We hope our paths will cross in the future so we can give you a true hug! Sincerely, Alvaro, Lor, Josh, Jeff, Janna and families!
Our sincere condolences, thoughts, and prayers. Will always remember the pure joy Chris had while at the rink watching Brance, his smile brought happiness to the room. I've never met a hockey dad that was more humble and thankful for the opportunity provided for his son. It was an honor and privilege to coach Brance! Rest in Peace Chris, you will be missed.
Wishing you peace during the holiday season, and time to share wonderful memories of a life well lived, by a man well loved.
Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family, Brance.
Val, Thinking of you at this difficult time. Sending love and prayers to you and your kids.
Val we are sorry to hear about Chris. He definitely didn't go without a fight. Sending out thoughts and prayers to your family. Jodie, Dan, Vanessa and Shareen.
Sending our love & heartfelt condolences the great memories of growing up with you will always remain my friend. I pray that Val & the kids, Your Mom & Dad ,Scotty & Family find some peace in knowing how much you were loved in our Taber community and how many hearts you have touched over the years. Rest in Peace #10, I know there's some Bronco's in Heaven, sooooo wanting to meet their new centerman, as the announcement has been made "Chris PISTOL PETE Orban" will be in the line up. I'd say take it easy on them up there on the big ice, but that has never been a word in the vocabulary of #10 Pistol Pete I knew on the ice. Rest in Peace my Friend Terry {Teddy} Blacquier
Brance, we are thinking of you and your family as you begin to navigate this heartbreak and loss! We have many fond memories of your dad coming to watch you play in Olds! Much love and many hugs!
Our deepest condolences to the entire Orban family, RIP Chris #10 Forever
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved and talented son, husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your period of loss & sadness. May your memories of all the memorable and cherished times you spent together help you through this difficult time. With sympathy, Ron & Kathie Friesen.
My condolences to the whole family. Chris was an exemplary teammate and leader on the SAIT Trojans, he set the standard with every shift. RIP Pistol
So sad to see such a great guy pass on. He will always be remembered. 55th Street was blessed to have the Orban family for many years. Having the Orban's as friends made life growing up much more enjoyable. To the Orban family: Please know that so many of us feel the pain of your loss and ours prayers are with you.
I was fortunate to play with Chris at SAIT. He was the ultimate team player who never thought of himself, only the team. Pistol Pete started the game at top speed and ended it the same way. My thoughts and prayers to all the family.
I am devastated to hear the news about Chris. My heart goes out to Val, your children and Mr. & Mrs. Orban. I went through every class with him and Chris was a great friend with a big heart. My fondest memory is when Chris and I drove to Chin Lake. This was our next challenge to jump off the bridge...I went first and waited about 1/2 hour and FINALLY Chris jumped to me below! After the shock of the jump we laughed for hours about it! RIP Chris, you will be sorely missed, but the many memories I will always cherish.
Condolences to the family. RIP Chris
Thinking of you all! You have gained an angel in heaven to guide and look over you all! Hugs, X0X0
Val, Brance, Tayler, Chortney and families, We are saddened to hear about Chris's passing please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers always. You have so many great memories of him that we know he will live on forever in your hearts. Hugs, Gal Family
Val and Family - blessings be with today and forever... may the peace of "pain no more" - be with you and your family. May Chris' kindness, wisdom and comfort be with you forever. Blessings, Shelby J. MacLeod, J.C. and Nychcole Penny
Though I only got to meet him briefly, you could tell the lasting impact he had on the lives of those around him. From reading the obituary, I gathered that he was a loving husband, and very devoted father. I'm very sorry for your loss, and will definitely keep your family in my prayers.
Deeply sorry for this heartbreaking loss. I grew up as a neighbor to the Orban boys. I have many great memories of Chris and his brothers. My condolences to the whole family and all friends of Chris.
Our deepest condolences to the Orban family.
Deepest Sympathy to the Orban Family. So sad to hear of Chris's passing...from one former Golden Sun player to another.
Sorry to hear of your loss Val and kids. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this time of sorrow
Deepest Condolences!
This saddens me. To you, Val and your family...Joe and Dorothy...our heartfelt sincere condolences to you all. Chris was a wonderful sincere man and one of the first people we met when we moved to Taber. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Sending hugs your way!
Val, Thinking of you and your family so much. Chris - A man with a good heart. Darren, Joanne, Cole and Jordy Unger
To Val and family. Sending my deepest sympathy to your family! Chris was our sales rep for our salon and was such an amazing person. He had such gentle kindness that will not be forgotten. May he Rest In Peace.