Obituary of William Prystai

William Prystai passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Thursday, December 30, 2004 at the age of 81 years while surrounded by his family and friends. Bill was born January 13, 1923 in Yorkton, SK, twenty minutes before his identical twin brother. Bill led a full life playing hockey, baseball, golf, curling, bowling, enjoying almost any sport. He worked for McDonald’s Consolidated for over thirty-five years. He was a member of the Yorkton City Council from 1958-1971, referee-in-chief for the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association in the 1960’s, UCT Board Representative and member for over fifty years and Treasurer for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Dinner Committee for thirty-five years. Bill and his brothers Harry and Metro were inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004. Bill traveled extensively after retiring – going all over Canada, England and Germany, even helping to “refuel” a plane over the North Sea with his son Robert. Bill is survived by his children and their spouses, Major Robert and Nancy Prystai of Belleville, ON; Barbara and Daryl MacLeod of Calgary; Douglas and Nicole Prystai of Regina, SK; his grandchildren Kathleen and Ryan of Belleville, ON, and little Zachary (“Poppa’s boy”) of Regina. He is further survived by his twin brother Harold and sister-in-law Stella, his brother Metro and sister-in-law Mavis, his two sisters and brother-in-law, Mary and Norman, and Stephanie, his in-laws Mae, Ellen, Dorothy, Millicent (John) Gwen, Beatrice (Cal) Audrey, Norman (Jacquie), plus numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his loving wife Joan (nee Tate), his parents Harold and Ann, and his brothers George and Peter. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Speers Funeral Chapel (2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK) on January 4, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Basil’s Ukranian Catholic Church (1757 Toronto Street, Regina, SK) on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Luzney, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to extend their special thanks to Calgary Emergency Services, Dr. Bryant and all of the staff on Unit 53 at the Peter Lougheed Centre. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, or to the Arthritis Society, #200, 1301 – 8 Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2R 1B7 Telephone: (403) 228-2571 or 1 (800) 321-1433, or to the Canadian Red Cross Society, Relief Fund for Asia, 737 – 13 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2R 1J1 Telephone: (403) 541-6100. Arrangements in care of McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.