Michael Horyl

53, River Ryan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Horyl on Sunday, April 6, 2014, at home surrounded by his loving family following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in New Waterford, Michael was the youngest son of the late Stephen and Catherine (Podgursky) Horyl.

He attended school in River Ryan and graduated from Breton Education Center in 1978. He attended UCCB in both the electronic and civil technology programs, but his heart led him to follow the family business.

He became part owner of Horyl’s Superior Sausage in 1982, Michael had a vision for the business and worked tirelessly until it came to fruition in 1986 when the new, modern plant was constructed. Michael took great pride in what he did and possessed a work ethic like no other.

Michael enjoyed hunting and fishing, golf, ski-dooing, boating, camping but most of all chauffeuring his children around to hockey, soccer, basketball, dance recitals, he didn’t miss one. He was a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and enjoyed watching them on a free Saturday night.

Michael was a quiet, soft-spoken man who faced his illness the same way he faced any obstacle in life, with courage and determination. He was a kind and generous man, always doing for others. Michael was a proud and generous supporter of events in the local community and surrounding areas.

Michael is survived by his wife, Patty (MacGillivray) Horyl; his daughter, Amanda, at home; sons, Brandon, at home, Stephen (Halifax); brothers, David (Lorraine) Sackville, N.B., Stephen (Mary), Pipers Cove; sisters, Dianne, Scotchtown, Dorothy (Tom) Gale, Scotchtown; nieces and nephews, Shauna, Adam ( Jamie-Lynn), Noel (Amanda),Vanessa, Melissa and Catherine.

Besides his parents, Michael was predeceased by his grandparents, aunts, uncles and in-laws, (Douglas and Theresa MacGillivray).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. The funeral mass officiated by Rev. Ray Huntley is Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Leonard’s Church followed by a reception in St. Leonard’s Hall. Cremation to follow with burial at a later date in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.

As an expression of sympathy for Michael, memorial donations in his memory may be made to palliative care or the VON.

Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca.