It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Stephen Joseph Horyl on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at home in Piper’s Cove, Cape Breton. Steve was born in New Waterford, on October 31, 1946 to the late Stephen and Catherine Horyl (Podgursky). Steve grew up and attended school in New Waterford. In his early days, He worked at the family business, Horyl’s Superior Sausage. In 1968, he enrolled at the Radio College of Canada in Ontario and graduated in 1969 with a certificate in electronics. Steve then found work in Halifax as a computer operator for the province of Nova Scotia, and remained there until his retirement. It was in Halifax that he met and later married the love of his life, Mary E. (Quinn). When Steve moved to Piper’s Cove, he became a financial advisor within the Cape Breton area. Steve was a devout catholic and served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. He will be remembered for his kind and compassionate nature and putting the needs of others ahead of himself. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and working around the family home and property in Piper’s Cove. Family gatherings were very important to Steve. Steve is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary; his siblings Dianne Carpenter, David (Lorraine), Dorothy (Tom) Gale as well as his sister in law, Patty Horyl, brother-in-law, Dr. Bryan Quinn and sister-in-law Diane Ward. He leaves behind a large circle of nieces and nephews and friends both near and far. Besides his parents, Steve was predeceased by his brother Michael, mother and father-in-law, Isabel and Bernie Quinn, brothers-in-law, Michael Dan and Jim.
A visitation will take place at TW Curry Parkview Chapel in Sydney from 4:00 until 7:00pm on Tuesday, Sept. 29 with a Funeral Mass taking place at St. Columba Church in Iona on Wednesday at 2:00pm with Fr. Vargheese celebrating. Interment to follow in St Barra’s Cemetery, Christmas Island. Due to social distancing requirements seating in the church is limited to a maximum of 60. Please call (902) 902-539-3002 to reserve a place. Memories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s memory may be made to either the Hospice/Palliative Care Society of CB or the Canadian Cancer Society.
When I come to the end of the horizon
and enter the other shore
remember me with fondness,
cry for me no more.
I have found my final resting place,
that special place to fish.
Remember the times that we shared.
You too, I will miss.
This is the journey I must take
and I must go alone.
Know that my heart is with you,
as I take this journey home.
To that final fishing hole for fishermen like me.
To tell the biggest fishing tales
about the one that got away.
Remember me with fondness,
this is not goodbye.
It is “Till we meet again”
at the fishing hole in the sky.
Esther Swanborough
