Evaristo Reyes Orellana

Evaristo Reyes Orellana was born on October 14, 1936, in the beautiful country of Nicaragua. He spent his childhood there, immersed in the culture of his homeland, collecting important traditions and values before immigrating to the United States in 1969. Shortly after coming to the United States, Evaristo met the woman that would change his world forever. After meeting in 1970, he married his soulmate, Zoila Del Carmen Chacon on May 17, 1979. Zoila came with a brood of children and Evaristo took them in with open arms, giving them the life that all children deserve. He was a successful businessman, supporting Zoila and the children by working in upper management throughout his long career.

With time, Zoila and Evaristo would open their family home once again, this time to their grandchildren. Zoila and Evaristo kept their hearts and arms open, eventually being the primary caregivers and parents to four granddaughters and two grandsons. Those six children were raised as their own. They lovingly and earnestly raised them as their sons and daughters. After welcoming this group of rambunctious kids, they moved the family up to Portland, Oregon from California in 1995 when Evaristo's work transferred him. They spent Sundays at Blue Lake Park every summer. Zoila would sew Halloween costumes for all the kids and make sure every holiday was celebrated fully and with family. Those now-grown children will tell you that today, they are grieving the loss of their Daddy.

The children have many fond memories with their Dad and Mom. Some memories include going to Disneyland every year after the school year ended, having picnics and barbecues in the parks, and having a strict but loving home. Llesenia remembers her Dad always being there for her, and always being so proud of his kids. He was a beacon of guidance, loving their Momma genuinely and working every single day to provide for them. Josefa remembers the times he would worry when the kids were sick- even as his own health declined. He taught them that family always came first, no matter what. His love was unconditional. He was truly the definition of a perfect father.

Most family get togethers were held at the family home in NE Portland. Those walls hold so many memories, laughs, celebrations, and heartaches. The daughters always knew that if life got them down, they were always welcome to come home. This is a policy that throughout their adult lives, all the kids were grateful to use at one point or another. Evaristo always made sure his kids were taken care of first, above anything else. He did so until his very last day on this earth. His legacy is one that has already spanned two generations beyond his own. His heart is so evident in the way he took in and cared for two generations of kids he that never had to. He even took in family friends and loved them and their children as family as well. He was a man amongst men, an example of true selflessness and amazing love.

He will be so sorely missed here on earth, but we are so grateful to know he is up dancing the Cumbia and Salsa with his soulmate once again. He is survived by children: Llesenia (Victor), Josefa, Ambar (Antonio), Leila (Ivan Sr), Stiden, and Ever. He also leaves behind twenty grandchildren who were blessed to know him as their rock and their strength for so many years.