Kevin ORRISS

Obituary of Kevin Tracey ORRISS

February 8, 1953 – Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
December 3, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Kevin Tracey Orriss passed away peacefully and surrounded by love in Calgary, AB, on Thursday, December 3, 2020 after embracing life while bravely fighting glioblastoma for 17 months. In his final days, his partner Sara, his children, and brother Greg were his faithful companions. 
 
To know Kevin was to love Kevin. He was a very fine, generous, kind, caring, loving, and compassionate man of quiet faith and deep integrity, who never left a bank teller or gas jockey un-befriended. He lived his life to the fullest, enjoying every corner of this wonderful world. He loved fresh berries on perfectly peanut-buttered toast, the dip of the paddle into glassy water, stacks of hot diner pancakes across from one of his favorites, and the giggle of a grandbaby galloping on his knee.

He began his life’s journey on February 8, 1953 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Born to Lloyd and Marian Orriss, he grew up with two siblings: older Brother Greg Orriss (Julie) and baby sister Ranelle Carter (Alex), who both treasured their brother. 

After completing his Bachelor in Science (Physiology and Pharmacology) with Honours from University of Western Ontario in 1975, Kevin moved to Calgary, drawn by opportunities in the oil and gas industry. He concluded a successful thirty-six year career in the industry as Vice President Land with Polar Star Energy after working with a number of companies, including Perpetual Energy, Profound Energy, Find Energy, Marathon Energy, and Forest Oil.

A remarkable athlete, Kevin was very active in sports. He captained the Calgary Ice Canoe Team that competed for fifteen years at the Quebec Winter Carnival, was a high school and Junior League Football star, and competed in numerous half marathons and adventure races. 

Kevin was extremely fortunate to have shared his life’s journey with two wonderful, loving women. As a young man, he met and tumbled deeply and perpetually in love with Darlene Burkinshaw, whom he married in 1976.  They shared twenty-eight joyful years until Darlene’s sudden passing in 2004.  Together, they were blessed with five children: Christy Seutter (Jess), Heather Orriss, Trevor Orriss, Emily Orriss (Kevin McPhedran), and Alanna Orriss. His life was further enriched by his 7 ¾ grandchildren: Zoe, Autumn, Julia, and Micah Seutter; Chloe and Jade Orriss; Brooke Orriss-McPhedran and another Orriss-McPhedran on the way.  Kevin will be warmly remembered by the numerous nieces and nephews from the Burkinshaw branch and was especially close with Jenny and David Orriss, and Tiffany, Charmaine, and Miranda Carter. 

Fourteen years ago, his heart was knit back together by the deep and delightful love he shared with Sara Pott Hittel.  Kevin also forged a special connection with Sara’s son, Matthew.  Kevin and Sara continued life’s joys, challenges, travels, and adventures together until his passing. They spent the last five years designing and building their dream retirement home on Okanagan Lake where his family will continue to build treasured memories.  

For his last birthday, he generously sponsored his entire crew of fourteen to join Sara and him at a beautiful beachside villa in Puerto Vallarta. There, he was joyfully celebrated.
 
Due to the extraordinary challenge of Covid, the family plans to host a celebration of life with his family and friends when it becomes possible next year. In the meantime, arrangements are being made to allow for virtual and modified opportunities to pay respects. Details can be found at www.kevinorriss.forevermissed.com.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (braintumour.ca) for research into treatments for glioblastoma.

Kevin’s family expresses their sincere gratitude to Dr. Sutherland and Dr. DeRobles who provided extraordinary care over the past year and a half, and to the wonderful, compassionate, staff of doctors, nurses, and respiratory specialists who cared for him at the Foothills Medical Centre. 

In living memory of Kevin Orriss, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
 

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