Rams coach, education faculty member, passes away
author: kristian ferguson & john loeppky | news editor & editor-in-chief
Another one lost /Jeremy Davis
Jerry Orban dies of cancer
Jerry Orban, a long-time member of the university community, passed away on Jan. 4 due to cancer. Orban was a highly respected and highly integrated member of the U of R and formed very strong connections with many people.
Orban’s university career began in 1970 when he was a player on the Regina Rams offensive lineup. Soon after, from 1973 to 1977, 1984 to 1996, and 2003 to 2011, Orban was an offensive line coach for the Rams.
Additionally, Orban worked for the university as Field Placement Manager for the Faculty of Education. Many members of the community expressed their condolences on Facebook. Below is a selection of public quotes from mourners.
“No words can really describe the mark Jerry has made in this world and the number of lives he touched and enriched. Jerry was an inspiration to so many; an incredible leader, educator, mentor, coach and friend. He will be sadly missed but so fondly remembered. May his memory be eternal.”
” He will be deeply missed by many that were fortunate to know him.”
” Sad news indeed. We’ve lost another one of the good guys. As we would have expected, Jerry fought the good fight – in all things and at all times. Class acts like Jerry are too few and too far between. He’ll be missed.”
“A great man who was a true friend and mentor. He will be missed by so many….we will keep you all close to our hearts.”
“It was an honour to have him as a coach and to know him as a friend. Memories will keep him in our hearts forever.”
“Jerry was a kind soul and always such a positive friend. His contributions in education and in sports will be missed but will not be forgotten by the people who knew him.”
An assistant in the education department, Louise Laverdiere, spoke about his impact on her and the campus community.
“He made a big impact on my life and made it a joy to come to work.”
“He was always very kind and considerate, very generous, always showed appreciation for anything I did for him. I worked alongside him quite closely, You could come and see him any time of day. Always in a good mood, always had a smile on his face.”
Associate dean of research and graduate studies Dr. Twyla Sahlm, had much to say about Orban’s impact on the community.
“He and I worked together for seven years, very closely.”
“He was just an exceptional teacher, he had all the qualities that you’d want a teacher to have. He was compassionate, and humorous, respectful, really a dignified man.”
“He was always very student-centred, he was always thinking what’s the best for the student, for the students in the classroom, for our students, and to be able to maintain that level of calmness and patience, and kindness, it just was unwavering.”
“He did that job for a long time and it wasn’t always an easy job and yet he came at it with such grace every day and it was just such a pleasure to work with him. ”
“I think the world will be just a little bit sadder without him in it.”
The family’s announcement on Jerry’s Facebook page shows his impact on Regina.
“It is with unbearable heartache the Orban family announce the passing of Jerome (Jerry) Andrew Orban on Friday Jan 4 at the age of 68 years. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at 1:00 @ Living Hope Alliance Church (3900 Arcola Ave. East) on Wednesday, Jan 9, 2019. A private family interment will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, Jerry’s family would be grateful for a donation to the University of Regina Ram’s Scholarship fund in Jerry’s name. Or if you prefer, please bring a new blanket to the service so that Cindy and family can distribute to the patients of the Allan Blair Cancer Center in Jerry’s honour.”
