Michael Klym

Michael was born on February 10, 1930, on the family farm just north of Arborg, Manitoba, to Mary (Mandryk) and John Klym.

Michael met Mary Shumay in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they were married on November 1, 1958. They were together for 67 years and raised three children. They lived in various communities throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with a final move to Saskatoon in 2015.

After graduating high school, Michael obtained his teaching certificate and worked as a teacher for two years. He then changed direction and worked in the accounting field for the rest of his career, with many years at the Co-op and then as Treasurer for the City of Yorkton from 1976 until his retirement in 1995.

Michael was involved with the Yorkton Optimist Club, Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood and was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus. Michael and Mary volunteered many hours at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Cultural Centre in Yorkton. They enjoyed travelling throughout Canada, U.S. and a special tour to Ukraine. They also loved to go dancing together and play cards with family and friends. Michael was a natural lead on the dance floor, effortless and smooth. His card game of choice was cribbage, and he was winning games well into his 90’s. In earlier years, he enjoyed gardening, berry picking, bowling, golf and a good game of horseshoes. He liked watching Toronto Blue Jays baseball games and listening to polka and old-time country music.

Michael appreciated life’s simple pleasures and would express his signature disapproval of frivolous excess or any fussing over him, a memorable trait to his children and grandchildren. He brought patience and practical wisdom to everything he did. He spent his life carrying with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and quiet generosity. His children have many personal stories of the dedicated actions he took as a father over the years.

Michael is survived by his wife Mary; his children: Deborah (Glenn Meier), Darcy (Joan) and Tamara (Mark O’Brien); and his grandchildren: Sarah, Wilson (Raelynn), Odessa (Gio), and Seamus. He is also survived by his brother David (Elaine); sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Klym; his brothers Joseph (Olga) and Victor (Dora), and many relatives.

The family would like to thank everyone who was involved in Michael’s care over the past few years, including staff at Home Care, Royal University Hospital 6th Floor Neurology, Cozy Nest Care Home, Saskatoon Convalescent Home and St. Paul’s Hospital Emergency.

The family would like to sincerely thank Father Raymond Lukie for the Panakhyda service for Michael with his immediate family.

We will always remember you Mike.. Dad.. Gido

A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.