Michael John Maryka

He was born on the 14th of January, 1957 in Trail, BC where he grew up. First born son to Nelda and Walter Maryka. The family grew to include 4 other siblings. Mike grew up with younger brothers, David and Stephen, and younger sisters, Jill Maryka and Lori Seymour. Although born in Trail, BC, our family home was in Genelle BC for all our childhoods. It was a wonderful small community nestled between mountains, with the Columbia River running through it. We had acres around us to explore, huge garden, many fruit trees, homemade pool and skating rink. Our parents gave us an amazing childhood. And Mike and his father and mother were very tightly bonded.

After high school, Mike attended Selkirk College and attained his certification as an Electronics Technologist. His career began with a very remote posting in Port Hardy and Bull Harbour, northern tip of Vancouver Island. He later was able to transfer further south and got set up in Ucluelet, BC. He remained in the same line of work but his government boss changed regularly - Dept of Defence, Coast Guard, Dept of Transport, Dept of Fisheries and Oceans. Mike worked till full retirement and remained a long standing member of the Ucluelet community.

Mike was a very private and shy man with the biggest heart. He was fully dedicated to his birth family and was very generous with his time, visiting often and being helpful in any way required. He loved the West Coast and the mild weather and small community life. Like his father, he was very handy and could fix most anything and liked to tinker with electronics of course. One of his main interests was folk music and attending live stand-up comedy. He was a die-hard fan of Jann Arden and saw her perform many, many times.

He is preceded in death by his brothers David and Stephen. Predeceased by his sisters Jill and Lori from Calgary.

Mike left us suddenly and far too soon, but thankfully very peacefully. Our hearts are broken and he will be dearly missed. We were blessed to have him in our lives for as long as we did.