Obituary of Orlando José Zeballos

June 10, 1942 – Pasto Pata, Bolivia

June 29, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Orlando Zeballos, beloved husband of Ruth Zeballos (nee Saenz), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the age of 82 years.

A golden heart stopped beating

hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best.

Orlando was born on June 10, 1942, in Pasto Pata, Sud Yungas, La Paz, Bolivia. In 1962, he embarked on a new journey, immigrating to Nelson, BC, Canada, on a scholarship to study medicine. During his university years, he was not only a dedicated student but also an avid soccer player and a trained boxer.

Although Orlando did not complete his studies at Notre Dame University due to the flourishing job opportunities in the booming oil industry, he built a successful career working with esteemed companies such as Petty Ray Geophysical, Chevron, Amoco, Pan Canadian, and Mobil Oil. In 1968, he married Ruth Saenz, beginning a loving partnership that would span decades.

Orlando's enthusiasm for sports was boundless. He excelled in tennis, racquetball, squash, volleyball, soccer, boxing, and ping pong. He found joy in walking in nature, had a deep love for animals, and cherished his family above all.

Some of Orlando's most cherished memories were the cruises he shared with Ruth, which provided them with countless moments of joy and adventure.

Orlando will be fondly remembered for his incredible kindness, his generous hospitality, his wonderful sense of humor, and the deep friendships he cultivated throughout his life.

Besides his loving wife, Ruth, Orlando is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Zeballos) Hudson of Calgary, AB; his son, Jeffrey Zeballos of Edmonton, AB; and his four grandchildren, Zoe Zeballos, Angela Zeballos, Aidan Hudson, and Rhys Hudson. Orlando is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jorge Garces, and his three nieces, Patrica (Garces) Tyson, Consuelo (Garces) Martin, and Georgette (Garces) Dziuba; and their children, JorDen, William, MacKenzie, Connor, Carter, and Cole; all of Calgary, AB.

Orlando was predeceased by his parents, Angel Zeballos and Carmen Rodriguez de Zeballos, and his sister, Teresa (Zeballos) Garces.

A special thank you to the medical team in Unit 74 at Rockyview Hospital for the exceptional care given to Orlando and his family.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. or to Dementia Network Calgary would be appreciated.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 – 24th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Orlando’s family here.

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