VICTOR JOSEPH HIRYAK,

October 21, 1943 to April 7, 2022.

Vic Hiryak was the son of Victor Joseph Hiryak, Sr. and Anne Marie Hiryak. He loved his family fiercely. He was especially proud of his sons, Christopher McCarty Hiryak and Joseph Anthony Hiryak, and their respective entrepreneurial endeavors. He supported and followed their work closely. He was equally impressed with his daughters-inlaw’s intelligence and talents. He was enamored with his granddaughter, Elliot Gray Hiryak, and grandson, William Clyde Hiryak.

And above all he adored and cherished his wife of 43 years, Merry Holly Hiryak. He loved his sister, Elizabeth Matthews, and her family and all of his extended family. In addition, Vic loved animals, especially his dogs.

Vic had a successful 40+ year career in residential real estate. He had a sense of duty to bring integrity and professionalism to his work. Vic loved mentoring new real estate professionals. He was particularly motivated and fulfilled when helping first time home buyers find their dream home. As a testament to his commitment to helping his clients find the best homes, Vic helped many of his clients buy and sell homes throughout their lives. Vic was recognized and honored by his peers in a number of ways throughout his career. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to the profession, Vic served as chairman of the Real Estate Commission from 2010 to 2011.

Vic was an avid angler and outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing with his friends. One of his greatest gifts to his sons, Chris and Joe, was to teach them the art and skill of being a sportsman in Arkansas. He traveled all over North America hunting and fishing. Some of his favorite memories were of fishing with his buddies in Alaska, Cuba, Canada, and Mexico. He loved the camaraderie, fraternity and adventure. He was inspired by Aldo Leopold to support conservation and recommended A Sand County Almanac to anyone who enjoyed the outdoors.

Vic loved people. He had friends from all walks of life. He cherished his friendships above all else. He had a unique ability to connect easily and profoundly with all people. He truly cared about the well-being and happiness of his friends.

Victor placed a high value on education. He was a lifelong student and voracious reader. Vic consumed fiction and nonfiction alike. He enjoyed studying history, philosophy, religion, economics, and geopolitics. He also enjoyed debating with his friends and family. He challenged himself to appreciate and understand many different perspectives and ideas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a local animal shelter or Arkansas Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held in the fall of 2022. Please email vichiryak@protonmail.com with your mailing address to receive an invitation and to send any photos of Vic that you would like to share with the family.