Orest Zolkavich
Orest, age 72, passed away on June 27, 2026.
Born on October 10, 1953 in Porcupine Plain, SK, Orest was raised on the family farm near Weekes and attended school in the community. After graduating, he enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan, but soon realized his path lay elsewhere. He returned home, working first for a local farmer and later for a road contractor building logging roads and landings in the Hudson Bay area.
In 1973, Orest moved to Edmonton and later to Sherwood Park, beginning a career in the construction rental equipment industry. In April 1980, he joined Lynes United Services—an oilfield service company owned by Baker Hughes Inc. Through mergers, acquisitions, and name changes, the company eventually became Baker Hughes. Orest started as an inventory clerk, moved into purchasing, and later into inventory management. In 2014, he relocated to Beaumont to be closer to work. Orest retired in 2015, closing a career marked by dedication, reliability, and quiet professionalism.
Orest was an avid athlete in his younger years, playing fastball and curling until the mid1990s and forming many lasting friendships along the way. He later took up golf, a passion he enjoyed for the rest of his life. Over the years, he was proud to record two HoleinOnes. He also loved fishing, especially trips to Northern Saskatchewan where the waters—and the memories—were unforgettable.
Orest leaves to mourn his twin brother Fred (Rhonda); sistersinlaw Virginia (Bill) and Alvera (Joe); eight nieces and nephews; and numerous friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Dmytro and Tene, and his brothers Bill and Joe.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences to the extended family and friends. I worked with Orest in Edmonton in 1989 and thoroughly enjoyed working alongside him as well as curling and both hard and soft water fishing trips. The last trip to Besnard Lake SK was June 2025 and will be cherished. R.I.P. Orly and tight lines!
We are so sad that Orest passed so suddenly and far to young. Our sincere condolences.
Sue and Aden Stewart
Rest well, Orest.
It was always a pleasure interacting with Orest over the years we worked together. His calm and steady demeanor stood out in such a busy, fast-paced environment, not to mention the wealth of knowledge he possessed and was always willing to share to help others. My condolences to all Orest’s friends and family.
Sending my sympathies to all the family
I had the pleasure of working with Orest at Baker Hughes, Orest was a fantastic person and a consummate professional. My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family. He will be missed.
My condolences to extended family and friends
I was working in Brooks when I first met Orest in the early 80’s at inventory time. I learned a lot from Orest about inventory and he was incredibly helpful answering questions. When I got transferred to the Edmonton area from Grande Prairie in 2004 and into the same building, it was a pleasure to work with Orest and learn from him. He taught me more about the new SAP system coming in than any training I had. He was a very intelligent and humble man who will truly be missed by many. We had a few golf games and many meetings at Tim’s for his customary XLDD coffee with a soup and sandwich if at lunch time. The talks we had were interesting at times and at times about nothing but I will cherish them forever. He will leave a lasting memory with many people scattered all over North America. He was truly one of a kind and a very nice man.
Rest in peace my friend. Tight lines, fairways and greens my friend.