Leonard Hyra. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our father, friend and grandpa Leonard Hyra on November 30, 2012 at the Russell Regional health center at the age of 77. Leonard was the third child of William and Jessie (Nahirniak) Hyra. Leonard attended Ruthenia School. Leonard was a mixed farmer in the R.M. of Silver creek. He enjoyed farming the land, raising animals, and he especially enjoyed cattle at calving time. Leonard farmed for 50 years and he continued living on his farm until health issues prompted him to have an auction sale, sell the land, and move to Yorkton, SK with his best friend Pat Nagy. After retiring from the farm he enjoyed visiting friends at the coffee shop. Leonard gave a lifetime of love and devotion to farming, building, and playing dulcimers. He was also inducted into the Ukrainian Musician Association Hall of Fame and received a Legendary Achievement Award in Dauphin, Manitoba on May 29, 2010. Leonard enjoyed playing in various bands, repairing old tractors (especially John Deere's), gardening, going to auction sales where everyone knew he would end up going home with something, and especially visiting with family and friends. Leonard loved to travel, especially to B.C. to visit his brother Peter. Leonard also gave a lifetime of love and devotion to his three children; Barry (Sharon), Cathy (Gary), Rick (Betsy) and later his best friend Pat of 19 years. He was a proud grandpa of his three grandchildren Brandi, Tyler, and Ryan. Leonard also thought of Pat's granddaughter Kyla as one of his own. Over the last year Leonard paid extra special attention to his new four legged best friend, Angel. Leonard's dog brought him many joys and hours of happiness. Leonard was predeceased by his parents William & Jessie, three brothers: Jerry, Eugene, and Alexander. He is survived by one sister Julia; one brother Peter (Merle); his three children Barry (Sharon); Cathy (Gary), Rick (Betsy), and best friend Pat. Also surviving are his grandchildren Brandi, Tyler, Ryan, and Kyla; Pat's two children Sandra (Alfred Bassingthwaite) and Marv (Lucy) Nagy; numerous nephews and nieces, neighbours and a host of dear friends, family, and his dog Angel.
