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Dr. Sylvester Petryk
Dr. Sylvester Petryk
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Sylvester Petryk Obituary
He was born in Atmore AB, 6th of 7 children, to Anton and Mary Petryk. He completed his Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Alberta, his Masters at the University of Waterloo, and his Doctorate at Colorado State University, where he met his beloved wife Darla.
Syl taught fluid mechanics at the University of Florida, and then moved to Montreal in 1975 to work as an engineer, modeling river ice flows to protect Quebec's hydroelectric projects from the impact of its rugged climate, which he loved.
Syl nurtured a lifelong passion for the stock market. He excelled at identifying small entrepreneurial companies and delighted in watching them succeed. He founded the Montreal Fundamental Investment Club and was a member of Senneville's 2M Investment Club. Through his investment acumen he created abundance, prosperity and opportunity which he generously shared with his immediate and extended family.
For Syl, family was the most important thing of all. He took great delight in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He loved talking about growing up on the farm in northern Alberta. He was also passionate about running, tennis, biking, skiing and exploring the outdoors. He enjoyed falling and bucking trees throughout Senneville and took pride in heating his home with his handiwork. Syl lived up to his favorite saying: "Leave the earth in better shape than when you came". The greatest gifts Syl shared were an open heart and an endlessly curious mind.
Sylvester is survived by Darla, his wife of 44 years, his son Adam (Michèle), daughters Andrea (Cormac), Tanya (John) and grandchildren John, Cathryn, Nathan, Bridie, Dylan, Caleb and one more grandchild expected this summer. He is also survived by his siblings Anne, John, Russell, Mike, Harry, and Nancy.
Profound thanks go to Kathy and Gerry Brydon, Cathy Varsanyi, Marc-David Andrade, NOVA and the CLSC for help and support, which allowed Darla to care for him at home through the final months of his illness.
A Memorial Open House for Sylvester will be held at Senneville Community Centre, 3:00-5:30 on Wed June 19. In lieu of flowers, well wishers are invited to make donations to NOVA West Island or The Stephen Lewis Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
8 Entries
André Caya
August 19, 2024
Chez la firme LGL, je travaillais comme ingénieur en géotechnique pour le projet EOL. Ce que j'ai bien aimé de Syl, sa simplicité, son sourire joyeux et sa gaieté au travail. La photo ci-jointe présente un ouvrage sur laquelle nous avons collaboré.
June 19, 2013
Darla and the Family,
Bob and I have just heard about Syl and we are so sorry for your loss. We got used to seeing Syl on his bicycle on Senneville Rd and more recently meeting your son at the train station for a 'push' back home. It is so nice he was able to do this.
Jean and Bob Foster
June 19, 2013
Hi Darla,
I just learned this morning from a lady member of Braeside about Syl's passing.
I send you my biggest condolences, in memory of his past presence/role at Braeside - which especially includes some fun golf games with you and Syl.
My best wishes,
Ginny Stikeman
Clinton Tanner
June 19, 2013
We were saddened to hear of the loss of Syl. Our thoughts are with you and your family. He was always there, a part of the community. Syl epitomized the character and soul of Senneville. We had fun on the tennis court where he taught me many lessons. We will all miss him.
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Line Howlett
June 18, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Robert SEGUIN
June 18, 2013
My sincere condolences to the entire Family. I always enjoyed spending time with Syl talking about the markets and the Small-Caps we all loved as investments. He was one of the best fundamental analysts I knew. I cherish very good and long-lasting memories.
June 18, 2013
Dear Darla and family,
Thinking of you at this time.
Zelda
Chauncey Fitzsimmons
June 18, 2013
With love to the whole family at this sad time
Chauncey Fitzsimmons
Grayson and Alison send their condolences as well
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