On Sunday, March 25, 2018, the leader of the band grew tired and passed on to play his final gig.
He was born on Sept. 24, 1944 in Kenora, Ont. to the late Ann and Kasemer Hawrylak.
Myron completed his high school education in Sioux Lookout, Ont., enjoying curling (achieving an eight-ender), playing basketball, and compeing in track and field. He held a long-time OFSAA record for Intermediate Boys High Jump.
The Hot Spots was his high school band.
He moved to Fort Frances, Ont., where he worked first for CN Railways. Myron loved trains and collected them in various gauges. He also worked as an Office Supervisor for the Human Resource Centre for Canada. He was an advocate for workers, helping them realize their fullest potential by accessing resources from the federal government until his retirement.
Myron loved the beauty of nature. In the summer months, he could be found battling the neighbourhood deer in his bountiful garden, finding new and unique ways to deter them. His green thumb came from his mother, Ann, who is remembered for this gift.
He also loved spending time on the water. He loved to go sailing on Rainy Lake and beyond. When he didn’t have a boat of his own to captain, he would crew for friends on Wednesday race nights for the local Rainy Lake Yacht Club. One of his recent boating adventures took him down the Mississippi River with his good friend, Bob Barron.
Last summer, Myron journeyed to Ober’s Island with the International Falls Rotary Club to walk the path of artists before him.
Always a protector of the environment, Myron opted to get rid of his vehicle in 2005. He could be seen walking or biking to the places he needed to be–even in the most miserable weather.
Myron was a dedicated Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow who served his community and beyond for decades, serving as the president for the Fort Frances club and then continuing his work with the Rotary Club in International Falls, Mn. He was Rotarian of the Year in 2008-09.
He also was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish, and played the organ there as well as at Our Lady of Lourdes, and accompanied the choir from many years.
Myron will be remembered by his family and community as a gifted musician who always was willing to share his talents. He was leader and musical director of many bands over the years, and offered his expertise and flair to musicians young and old.
Some of the bands included Lady and the Gentlemen, Mood Indigo, Lazy Bones, and North of the Trax.
He also shared his love of music as a solo performer at various businesses in Fort Frances and International Falls. As well, he provided music for various community events, including Townshend Theatre productions, Summer on the Border, Broadway on the Border, the V.A.L.A. Variety Show, Music in the Park, Quest for the Best, Icebox Radio theatre, the Fort Frances Folk Festival, Fort Frances High School musicals, Friends of the Library, and “Reunion 60,” as well as many weddings, funerals, and community celebrations.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Ken, Andrea (Mark), Annelise (Christopher), and Kaz. His grandchildren, Amelia, Rya, Kowan, and Brody, were the lights of his life. They will remember their Grandpa and all the happy memories they shared.
“Say a kind word, think a happy thought.” -Myron Hawrylak
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Alan Abao officiating.
The honourary pallbearers will be his family and “roadies.”
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 104-979 Alloy Dr., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7B 5Z8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
We are all of us Tiny Snowflakes
And we become blankets of snow.
When our final sun at dawn breaks
We melt away. That’s life you know.
We are all of us tiny moments
And we become an hour in time.
When the hands of time enfold us,
We cling to life’s short pantomime.
Touch the air. Feel freedom.
Touch a hand. Feel the love.
Join the band, universal.
Sing the song, feel love.
We are all of us tiny sand grains,
And we become the ocean’s shore.
When the hands of time enfold us,
We back away and are no more.
Touch the air. Feel freedom.
Touch a hand. Feel the love.
Join the band, universal.
Sing the song, feel love.
