Peter Thomas Tryban

Peter Thomas Tryban, 75 of Cheboygan, passed away at home on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

 Born in Cheboygan on November 12, 1948, he was the son of George and Wanda (Stemky) Tryban.  Pete graduated from Cheboygan High School in 1966.  After high school, Pete served honorably in the U.S. Army where he was deployed to Vietnam from 1968 to 1969.

 Following his military service, Pete returned home to Cheboygan where he married Denise A. Spray on February 12, 1972.  They made a life together in Cheboygan where Pete worked at Proctor & Gamble.  He also worked at Lee Grande Ranch and Rickard Properties, jobs he loved because of the opportunity to spend time outdoors.

 Pete is survived by Denise, his wife of 52 years; his daughter, Jodi Tryban (Jesse Moulder) of Cheboygan; sisters, Irene Tryban, Theresa (Jerry) Gowell, and Marianne Tryban; a brother, John (Heidi) Tryban; several nieces and nephews; In-laws Mary Ellen Tryban, Tom and Linda Spray, Toni and Dennis Havlena, Mike and Rita Spray, Rich and Lori Spray, Teri and Tom McGinn, Ted and Wendy Spray; preceded in death by parents George and Wanda Tryban, brothers Joe Tryban and Frank Tryban.  

 Pete enjoyed many activities, many of which involved being in nature. He loved hunting and fishing from a young age.  He spent many deer hunting seasons on Bois Blanc Island where he was also the camp cook. Although he was sick this past year, he and Denny made it up to the UP, with camper and side by side in tow to hunt at bear camp with his family and friends. As hunting lessened he enjoyed turning on his CB radio at home to follow the neighborhood hunts of his buddies.

 His love of cooking, usually making up his own recipes, lead him to getting a smoker, where he smoked hundreds of pounds of the tastiest fish, salami, jerky, and much more! He also had a little sugar shack on the back of their property where he made maple syrup.

 From spring thru fall you could find him outside, either in his vegetable garden or out cutting wood. He also enjoyed just getting in his truck or side by side, and taking a backwoods drive.

 Spending time with family, especially his nieces and nephews, brought him much joy. They could always count on Uncle Pete for silly jokes, little ditties and some good time teasing.

 With having such an amazing memory, it was no wonder that Pete was an avid storyteller. He would tell stories ranging from his childhood on the farm to his time in Vietnam, to something off the wall that had everyone laughing.

 Pete also had a love of music consisting of 50 and 60’s oldies, classic country and polkas. He especially enjoyed live music. He was known for entertaining around the campfire with his rendition of Ol’ Shep and Last Kiss. As of late, his favorite song was One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus, which was exactly how he was living his life.

 A Celebration of Peter’s life will be held from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Cheboygan Eagle’s Hall.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in his memory to St. Jude’s Children Hospital or Children’s Heart Foundation’s Cleveland Congenital Heart Walk on behalf of Maryn’s Mob. Maryn is Pete’s grand-niece who has 22q Syndrome.

 Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com/obituaries/peter-tryban.