Obituary of Michael Marion Pyra

Michael Marion Pyra was born in Speers, Saskatchewan on March 12, 1920 to Ignasius and Michaelina Pyra. His mother passed away in 1925, when he was only five years old and his father passed away in 1929. Orphaned at the age of nine years old, Mike lived with his uncle’s family until the age of 14. He then moved out on his own and lived self-sufficiently by working on farms, thrashing crews and odd jobs until enlisting in the army in 1941. Mike met Mary Onyschuk while stationed in the army in Victoria and they were married in Vancouver on February 3, 1946. Their son John Michael Pyra was born on April 12, 1948. Mike and his family lived in Calmar, while Mike worked on the oilrigs and also took the time to assist Mary’s parents on their farm north of Killam during seeding and harvest time. After the birth of Elaine in 1955, the family moved to North Battleford, Saskatchewan where Mike continued to work towards his dream of one day owning and running his own farm. In 1960, Mike and his family moved back to Alberta to fulfill his dream of farming north of Strome and in 1963 he purchased Mary’s parents farm north of Killam so Nick and Wasalyna Onyschuk could enjoy their retirement. On the farm, Mike raised his family and ran a very successful farm business for many years and remained on the farm until November, 2012 when he then moved to Providence Place in Daysland. Mike moved to the Killam Continuing Care in October 2015 due to declining health and passed away on February 19, 2015 at the age of 95, just a few weeks short of his 96th birthday on March 12th. Mike lived a long and full life, filled with experiences and adventure. This made for many stories which Mike loved to share with his family and friends. His honesty, integrity and caring nature towards others needing a helping hand will never be forgotten. Mike’s love of life, his farm, family and especially his grandchildren was profound but the light of Mike’s life was his great granddaughter Ariana. Mike will missed by us all, but he would not want us to be sad. He would want us to remember him as he was and to continue to enjoy his unique stories and wit. His memory will always be with us, honored, loved and cherished, for the wonderful man that he was! Mike was predeceased by his younger brother Sam in 1960, son John in 2004, beloved wife of 64 years, Mary in 2009, Mary’s parents Nick and Wasalyna Onyschuk and Mary’s brother Bill (Onyschuk) Himer in 2013. A memorial service for Mike will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2016 (Mike’s 96th birthday) at the Killam Knox United Church. Inurnment will follow in the Killam Cemetery. Refreshments and fellowship will take place in the church hall after the inurnment. Memorial donations in memory of Mike may be made to the Killam Cemetery Fund or a charity of donor’s choice.