It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Michael (Mike) Ryczak; beloved husband, father and Guido in Yorkton, SK on February 15, 2016 at the age of 71 years. Michael was born in the Buchanan area on the farm on May 6, 1944 to John and Mary (nee Woicichowski) Ryczak. He was the second youngest son in a family of six boys. Michael attended elementary school in Vasolovitz country school and then continued his studies at high school in Canora, SK. Upon graduation he attended STI in Moose Jaw where he studied Civil Engineering. Michael started his career with the Department of Highways in Yorkton, SK. He married Darlene Gawryluik on February 12, 1966 and they started their life together as a married couple living in Yorkton. They were blessed with two children Cynthia and Kevin. In his early years of working, Michael spent many hours on the road supervising highway projects 小蓝视频 developed in Saskatchewan at the time. He continued to take on increasing responsibilities and ultimately became an assistant supervisor in the main Yorkton office. After thirty plus years of service, Michael retired from the Department of Highways to pursue his other interests and passions. Michael was a proud and loving father of his daughter Cynthia and son Kevin. He was involved in many of their activities, often serving as a chaperone for their trips and tournaments. He also loved exploring the country roads and the outdoors and shared his passion for camping with his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman and you could often find Michael fishing year round on the various lakes and rivers in the countryside. Michael enjoyed carpentry in his leisure time and had built many projects for family and friends. He spent many hours in the evening playing cards, listening to Ukrainian music and socializing with friends. Michael was also a member of the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton and hall committee for many years where he volunteered his time with the different events and activities offered by the Church. In addition, he also enjoyed helping out at the Drobot Parish where his parents are buried. The fellowship of working with Parish members and the pride they took in their respective churches always brought him joy to his life. Michael was blessed with four grandchildren who always provided him with much pride and joy. He had a special relationship with each grandchild and they each have their own special memories of Guido. Michael loved reading the newspaper daily and every grandchild loved poking at the paper while he was trying to read it and hide his glasses. Michael also loved his yard and garden - he was always proud to harvest the labours of his love with his grandchildren. Michael loved the attention from his grandchildren and we are thankful that they will have these fond memories of Guido. Michael is survived by his wife Darlene of 50 years; his daughter Cynthia and her husband Michael Tarasoff and grandchildren Kirsten and Kyle of Okotoks, AB, his son Kevin and his wife Sandra and grandchildren Sydney and Nathan of Calgary, AB, his brothers Metro (Iris) and Steve and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Michael was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Ryczak, his brothers Steve (in infancy), Bill and Peter.
VICHNAYA PAMIAT! ~ MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL!
Prayers were held on Friday, February 19, 2016 and the Funeral Service on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Father Evan Maximiuk officiating. The cantor, Yvonne Panchuk led members of the Parish Choir in the responses. The cross bearer was Kirsten Tarasoff and the palamar was Gerald Hoffman. All who knew Michael Ryczak were considered as honourary pall bearers. The interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemane at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Darcy Ryczak, Ron Diduck, Norman Gawryliuk, Roman Wilgosh. Ed Berezowski and Ed Springinatic serving as the casket bearers. Reflections of Michael's life were shared by children, Cynthia & Kevin, granddaughter Kirsten and brother-in-law Garry. Memorials honouring Michael's name may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Holy Transfiguration Church. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.
