Kenneth Remer "Bear" Orben

Kenneth Remer 'Bear' Orben
Beloved husband, father, son, and brother

LOWELL -- Kenneth Remer "Bear" Orben, 41, of Lowell, died unexpectedly as a result of complications from surgery, Friday, December 27, 2013, at Lowell General Hospital. He was the loving husband of Patricia Ann (Green) Orben with whom he had celebrated 15 years of marriage, and the proud father of Kenneth R. Orben, Jr. ("KJ").

Born December 6, 1972, in Melrose, he was the son of the late Kenneth Roy Orben and Karen Lee (Remer) Orben, and graduated from the Wakefield area schools where he grew up. Ken also attended the University of New Hampshire and was a proud member of their music department's performing ensembles' trombone sections.

He resided in the Highlands section of Lowell, and worked in software sales and training in the Computer Software Industry.

Ken loved performing and was happiest on the stage telling stories through musical theater with his friends. He was a founding board member of the Flyleaf Theater Company and most recently appeared in their production of Tick, Tick...BOOM. Ken was thrilled to make his recent directorial debut with Flyleaf's production of Falsettos. Other favorite performances include Songs For A New World (as Man 3 at Flyleaf), Little Shop of Horrors (as Mushnik at Theatre3), Parade (as Hugh Dorsey at F.U.D.G.E.), Chess (as Anatoly at Nashoba Players), and Wizard of Oz (as the Cowardly Lion at Deco Boston Dinner Theater). When not at rehearsal or performing, he enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his beloved Boston Bruins.

In addition to his wife, Patty and son, KJ, he is survived by his mother, Karen Orben of Stoneham; his sister, Kimberly Egan of Danvers; his father-in-law, William R. Green, Jr and his wife, Mary Jo of Lowell, MA; his brother-in-law, Shawn McNair and his wife, Mary of Townsend, MA; his nephew, Ryan McNair and niece, Kathryn McNair of Townsend, MA, his brother-in-law, William R. Green, III of Lowell; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and his beloved Black Lab, Molly.

ORBEN -- YOU ARE INVITED TO WEAR BOSTON BRUINS COLORS TO HIS CALLING HOURS FROM 3 UNTIL 7 P.M. ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 4. HIS FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL, 978-458-6816. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, DONATIONS TO HELP THE FAMILY MAY BE MADE TO "PATRICIA ORBEN ACCT 1915", C/O JEANNE D'ARC CREDIT UNION, 245 CHELMSFORD ST, CHELMSFORD, MA 01824. PLEASE VISIT WWW.MCDONOUGHFUNERALHOME.COM TO SEND THE FAMILY AN E-CONDOLENCE.