BIOGRAPHY

Félix Ortiz Galbán was born in Flores Department, Uruguay, on 20 November 1911. Born on the feast day of Saint Felix of Valois, his parents named him Félix in honor of the saint, and his lifelong nickname became Valoy. He grew up with his parents and 16 siblings. His father of his was working for 47 years as a stallholder on the Estancia Santa Ana where he was born.

Ortiz Galbán was a rural worker for the most of his life. According to his granddaughter, he especially frequented the estates of San Salvador and Colonia Larrañaga, both in Soriano Department, where he would travel on horseback. After working as a laborer for a long time, he was able to save enough money to buy a few hectares in Villasboas, Durazno. He later owned rural establishments in the Flores and Durazno departments.

On 12 July 1952, he married Violeta Paven. They were married until Violeta’s death on 7 March 2015. The couple had three children: Roberto, Graciela, and Cristina.

At the age of 104, he was still riding a horse. In November 2015, he met with Juan Lechini (1913–2019), an old friend he hadn’t seen in close to 90 years. At the age of 106, he still had no issue standing, although used the walker for walking longer distances. By the time of his 108th birthday in 2019, he had begun using a wheelchair.

Ortiz Galbán died in Trinidad, Flores Department, Uruguay, on 18 March 2022 at the age of 110 years, 118 days.

(Partially sourced from Gerontology Wiki)

RECOGNITION

On 28 July 2021 at the age of 109 years, 250 days, Ortiz Galban has reached the age of Daniel Romano (1905–2015), and he became the oldest known man ever from Uruguay.

His age was verified by Esteban González Olase, and validated by the LAS on 13 November 2021.

He celebrated his 110th birthday in November 2021 and became the first known male supercentenarian from Uruguay.

ATTRIBUTION

GALLERY