Joseph Louis Orban of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb 28th, 2025, in his hundredth year of life.
He was born August 1st, 1925 on a farm in the district of Arbury, Saskatchewan to Louis & Helen (Mihalicz) Orban, the fourth of nine children. Helen passed away when Joe was only nine years old. His father later married Elizabeth Kurucz, who lovingly took on the responsibility of the existing family and over the years six more siblings were born to the Orban household.
Growing up, Joe attended the local one-room schoolhouse and helped run the family farm. At the age of eighteen, he was recruited to the army but never saw active duty overseas. Following his discharge from the army in 1946, Joe returned home to take over his uncle’s farm.
After a few years, Joe decided that farming was not his passion and left to find work elsewhere. He landed a job at an autobody shop in the nearby town of Â鶹´«Ã½AVey. Joe was a likeable guy and was quick to make friends. His newfound friend Bob was as passionate about cars as Joe was, so they quickly bonded over Joe’s new Ford LTD. One day Joe and Bob decided to take a cruise to visit one of their buddies on a nearby farm. While they were there, they discovered that their friend had two attractive sisters, Irene and Edna Kurz. It wasn’t long before they were escorting these two gals to the local dances and soon fell in love.
Joe and Irene moved to Regina realizing that the city offered more opportunities for their future. Joe attended barber school and then opened his own barber shop. After establishing themselves in Regina, Joe and Irene were married in 1958 in a double wedding alongside her sister Edna and Joe’s friend Bob.
Over the next seven years, three children were born to Joe and Irene: Gregg, Sandra and Michelle. With a growing family, Joe began to look for better job opportunities. His cousin Mike, owner of Orban Motors in Assiniboia, told Joe that there was a Billard Hall with Barber Shop for sale which would be good fit for his skills. He convinced Joe that Assiniboia was a thriving community and the perfect place to raise a family. In 1966, Joe purchased the Assiniboia Billiard Hall and Barber Shop and moved his family to Assiniboia.
Joe ran the business for seven years but eventually got tired of the long hours required to run the pool hall. Joe wanted a different career and in1973, with encouragement from his wife, Joe sold the Pool Hall and purchased a local men’s clothing store. Joe’s Men’s Wear was a family business and over the years expanded to include western wear, sports wear, as well as women’s and children’s shoes. After many years of hard work, Joe was ready to retire. In 1988, Joe sold the business to Timothy Daniels, which still exists today.
During retirement, Joe and Irene spent winters in Arizona where they enjoyed the warm weather and an active social life. Joe finally had time to dedicate to his true passion which was country music. He played banjo, guitar, and fiddle throughout his life. During his time Arizona, he had the opportunity to join jam sessions with other musicians and fiddling became a big part of Joe’s life. After 25 happy winters, they sold their home in Arizona to spend their winters in Assiniboia. Joe joined the local Old Tyme Fiddlers group who continued to entertain at retirement homes and local venues. Joe always said that it was music that kept him young and it indeed it contributed to his long and happy life.
Joe is survived by his wife of 67 years, Irene (Kurz), children: Gregg (Terry) Orban, Sandra (Jansin) Ozkur, Michelle (Alex) Buchan; grandchildren: Jasmin Ozkur, Julian (Katherine) Ozkur, Audla (Maddy) Buchan, and Iola Buchan.
Joe was predeceased by several brothers and sisters and one grandchild, Alainga Buchan.
A private celebration of life with immediate family will be held later in the summertime. We invite you to post your memories and photos of Joe at . Donations in Memory of Joe may be made to support the Ross Payant Nursing Home music program; by cheque to: Assiniboia Auxiliary for Long Term Care Box 454 Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0; Electronically to: Michelle Buchan (Orban) [email protected] and a cheque will be sent to the Nursing Home in their names. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK 306-642-3373
