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Michael Jonathan, Anna Aviva and John Kenneth Wyman
Michael Jonathan, Wyman Obituary
Anna Aviva Wyman
John Kenneth Wyman
Michael Jonathan Wyman and his two beloved children, Anna Aviva Wyman and John Kenneth Wyman, tragically passed away on January 3, 2021 while Michael was attempting to save the two children from a rogue wave at the beach in Goat Rock State Park in California.The herculean and ongoing rescue efforts were led by the mother and wife, Sarah Wyman, alongside the brave and self-sacrificing fellow hikers followed by the search and rescue teams.
Michael, who was 40, was born in Ottawa, Ontario in 1980 at the Grace Hospital to his loving parents, Georgina Steinsky and his late father Kenneth Wyman. He grew up in Ottawa and Toronto, attending Ashbury College, Phillips Andover Academy in Massachusetts, and graduating with an International Baccalaureate degree from Upper Canada College in Toronto. A loving influence from his infancy was his caregiver Betty Willis, with whom he remained close throughout his life, and who helped to instill a devotion to family in Michael through the example of her own family. Michael graduated from Somerville College at Oxford University in Modern History, earned a law degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and earned a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2016.
Michael's endless curiosity inspired his eclectic experiences and business opportunities. His career began with a New York corporate law firm, and continued with several financial analyst positions and an entrepreneurial venture to promote solar power projects. But his greatest pursuit was his warm and loving stable family. While living in New York, he met and fell in love with Sarah Brennan, a brilliant PhD scientist who studies cancer biology. Just months after meeting, they married and together created and nurtured their loving family. Michael's most treasured accomplishment was his beautiful and brilliant children, Anna and then John. The Wyman family moved to Oakland, California in 2017 fulfilling a dream to live in California, where Michael pursued his entrepreneurial ambitions. Only a few months ago, they moved to an idyllic town, Petaluma, in Sonoma County, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They loved Petaluma, and were eagerly embracing its many offerings, which they described to family on the phone, in text messages, emails and Zoom calls.
Michael's commitment to family is evident in the manner of his death, as he heroically caught up to John on the beach but then drowned under the extreme force of the water while holding his son and trying to reach his daughter. Michael's devotion to family, his intelligence, wry wit, sardonic observations about life and politics, entrepreneurial spirit, affable nature, and budding interests in meditation and mystical spirituality will live on and inspire all who knew him.
Michael is survived by his loving wife Sarah Wyman; his mother Georgina Steinsky; his sister Katrina Wyman, her husband Jonathan Landsman and their children Jeremiah Landsman and Hannah Landsman; his mother-in-law Debby Brennan; his brother-in-law Zachary Brennan and his wife Vanessa Brennan and their son Kieran Brennan; his sister-in-law Cody Jackson and her husband Kyle Jackson and daughter Eloise Jackson; and Betty Willis, her late husband Bill Willis and their sons Jim Willis (m. Mary-Lynn Willis) and Rob Willis (m. Denise Willis), to whom Michael will always be "little brother."
Anna, age 7, and John, age 4, are presumed deceased. Like Michael, their spark was cut unimaginably short. John was a gregarious, deep-thinking ninja-warrior-in-training who made friends everywhere he went. He was passionate about trucks, dinosaurs, books of all kinds, and finishing jigsaw puzzles. Beautiful Anna had a magnificent soul, a hysterical sense of humor, a delightful way with words, and a stunning cartwheel. She was a devoted friend, an animal lover, and the only human to love desserts as much as her father. Anna and John were the absolute joy of their family's life. May their memories, and Michael's, be a blessing, reminding us of life's promise and fragility.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Calfire Benevolent Foundation, https://calfire.foundation/donations/
to help protect the forests the Wyman family loved and support families suffering from the aftermath of fires.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Jonathan, Wyman
Nora
January 3, 2025
Sarah, I remember your family every year at this time and I'm sure I always will. I pray that you have found the strength and courage to move forward and continue to live a life of love, joy, and adventure. Of course, that's what Michael and Anna and John would want for you. May you know God's peace always. I am praying for you and your family and always will.
Tricia Mullahey
January 2, 2025
I remember this lovely man and send my love to his family.
Nora
January 2, 2024
Sarah, I never knew you personally or your husband or children but I have suffered much sad loss and tragedy in my own life and I find myself thinking of and praying for you every year at this time. God keeps all of our tears in His bottle (Psalm 56:8) and tracks all of our sorrows. May God always give you all the strength that you need and help you to remember your loved ones with great joy. I hope your sorrows have lessened with the passing of time and that you are surrounded by love always.
Nora
January 2, 2023
Sending condolences as another year passes since the loss of Michael, Anna, and John - a family taken way too soon. May Sarah be comforted by beautiful memories of her family and know that others are here to help carry her burden and share her heartbreak in such a sad loss. I continue to pray for you, Sarah, that you would be surrounded by the love of God and His shalom at all times.
Nora
January 2, 2022
Dear Sarah and Family, it's hard to believe that a whole year has passed since this devastating tragedy and loss of your husband and children. I never knew your family but I know the horrible ache of losing loved ones tragically and suddenly. I pray for you often and I hope you have been surrounded by people who love you and have helped you carry this awful burden. Michael, Anna, and John are all in Heaven with God and you will see them again in a place where there are no tears. Until then, may Adonai hold you in the palm of His hand and may you dwell in the secret places of the Most High.
Anny
June 16, 2021
Dear Sarah and family, we are devastated to hear of your loss. Michael was an incredible man, so bright and welcoming. He was a wonderful friend during my U of T Law days and he was so kind to Peter when they were both in NYC. Your children are shining stars. I only wish we could have met them. May all their memories be a blessing always. Our hearts are with you. Please feel free to reach out always. With love and prayers, Peter and Anny and David
Anny
June 16, 2021
Dear Sarah and family, we are devastated to hear of your loss. Michael was an incredible man, so bright and welcoming. He was a wonderful friend during my U of T Law days and he was so kind to Peter when they were both in NYC. Your children are shining stars. I only wish we could have met them. May all their memories be a blessing always. Our hearts are with you. Please feel free to reach out always. With love and prayers, Peter and Anny and David
Jennifer Rose Savino
January 21, 2021
On behalf of Phillips Academy, we send our sincere condolences to the Wyman family. A member of the Class of '99, Michael is remembered fondly by his classmates. We send our love and support. May you feel the support from the global Andover community.
With love and support,
Jenny Savino
Director of Alumni Engagement
Phillips Academy Andover
Rina
January 19, 2021
To All Who Loved Michael and His Angels,
I have no words...I just heard about this news online and just felt the need to reach out to say that my heart is heavy and aching for you. There are no other words I can say to ease the pain. But please know that I am praying for all to find some peace. I lost a hubby to cancer almost 10 years ago now and can still feel that pain. But losing your children on top...To Sarah, I am lifting you up in prayers, Mama! Sending love and light and peace your way...
Prayers for healing,
Rina
Vicki Barreca-Jacko
January 16, 2021
Georgina, Sarah & family
What a tragedy for you and all the family. Your hearts must be broken. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I went to high school with Georgina a long time ago and remember her so very fondly. I am very saddened by this news. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Vicki Barreca-Jacko
Brenda
January 15, 2021
My heart and prayers go out to you. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is broken.
Steve Hamm
January 15, 2021
I was a classmate of Michael’s at Upper Canada College and we went on to attend Oxford at different colleges.
We came over to England in 1999 and I remember how both of us adjusted to a new life, somehow newer and more different than we’d expected. In that first term we’d meet up every so often, in the rich orange hues of a pub in autumn, the Lamb and Flag or the Eagle. We’d compare notes, trade reflections on the strange, idiosyncratic details of our new lives - the behaviours of tutors, the arcane protocols of dress and dining in halls. But most of what we were doing, I think, though it was never spoken, was warming ourselves a little bit on the home fires of our old lives, topping ourselves up against the chill of the new.
I hadn’t seen Michael since university and the depth of tragedy of his passing has been deeply affecting. But I am glad to know that in these intervening years, he put together a fine life, that he found love and was loved and will be remembered fondly by those who knew him. Cold comfort now perhaps, but a comfort that will grow.
All of my best wishes and condolences to the extended Wyman family.
Karel Vetrovsky
January 14, 2021
What a horrible tragedy! Father in his prime and two young children. My condolences to those left grieving.
David Donadio
January 14, 2021
Baruch Dayan Ha'emet. May their memories be a blessing to you, always.
Tamara Little
January 13, 2021
Sarah, Georgina and Katrina,
I heard about your family's tragedy in the news, and my heart goes out to all of you and the rest of your family and friends. It could just as easily have been my family, as I live not far from the beach (in SF) and have a young son. I am a part of the Jewish community in SF and am proud to be raising my son as a Jew. Your family sounds so much like my own. May the memories of Michael, Anna and John be a blessing, and may you find comfort and peace in the arms of your loved ones and in your faith.
Benjamin Ramirez
January 13, 2021
I saw this horrible incident on the news and my heart goes out to Sara Wyman and family and friends. I felt compelled to write this to the family because no one should experience such horrible accident. My prayers to your entire family and I pray that you find solace at this time. Your kids we so beautiful and Michael looks like a good man and Father.
Tricia Mullahey
January 12, 2021
Sarah,
i am sending you love from San Francisco .
Im so sorry .
Talk to your children and to Michael.
They CAN hear you, and want to connect with you.
Again, im so sorry.
Elena Ratto
January 12, 2021
Dear Sarah,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart is heavy from this tragedy. Sending you strength and my deepest condolences.
Elena
Lola Dvorak
January 12, 2021
The Dvorak family sends our condolences and our support. It's difficult to know what to say in response to such a tragic loss. We remember Michael, Anna, and John fondly and take comfort in knowing that they had such a positive impact in the neighborhood and in the Peralta Community. We are grateful for every memory we have of them. Sincerely, Lola, Dina and Etta Rose
Rachel Pomerantz
January 12, 2021
Dear Sarah,
You and your beautiful family will be in my heart forever. Peralta was lucky to have had you in its community. Hawthorn and pod-mate Annika Mason made a beautiful altar for all of you. On it, your note from the kids reads, "I am so sorry. Let our love help you and let us do anything for you." The kids' note to Anna, John, and Michael reads, "I hope you go to heaven. I am so sad so so sad you passed." May you feel our support and love during this time.
Sincerely, Rachel Pomerantz
Ezgi Kaya
January 11, 2021
We extend our deepest condolences with the heaviest of hearts. There are no words to express the sadness we feel for Michael’s family at this moment but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers, from coast to coast.
Florence Katz
January 11, 2021
Dearest Sarah, no words can express my sadness. My tears seem endless. All my loving thoughts are with you. Feel my arms holding you all close.
Zdenka Goralikova
January 10, 2021
Dear Georgina, With a deep wound in my heart, it is hard to express in words how that feels to loose the most precious ones. Praying for the souls of deceased as well as for your whole family who keeps the best memories of beloved ones. May the love for Michael, Anna and John stay in our hearts. With love, Zdenka
John and Ruth Crow
January 10, 2021
Dear Georgina,
It is heartbreaking to learn of this tragic loss of your brilliant son and beautiful grandchildren. We send our deepest condolences to you and all your family.
John and Ruth
Peter & Christina Fan
January 10, 2021
We remember Michael affectionately, a close friend of our son, Young Fan. There are so many occasions that we shared, their daily encounters at school and outside, Michael's Bar mitzvah in Ottawa, our breakfast in the Hyatt in front of the Union Station, NYC, where we witnessed lines of limousines waiting to pick up customers to buy million-dollar homes after the catastrophe of the sub-prime mortgage crisis (how transient our material world is). We remember his whole family, mother, father, sister, in our shared birthday parties, in the hockey rinks, long chats..., although we did not have the good fortune of meeting Sarah.
This morning on CBC, we chanced upon the 1939 song of Ruth Lowe, 'I'll never smile again'. It touched us and we feel connected to you, Sarah, Georgina and Katrina in your loss and ours. However, the CBC commentator gave us hope as he related Ruth Lowe's music bringing comfort to many after writing this song in memory of the untimely death of her husband. With this chanced encounter on air, our hope was rekindled through our commitment to faith and a better world for all.
While Michael, Anna and John will always be part of our life, their passing would renew our treasured memories and to inspire us to continue working for an even better world. They help us to journey on courageously to contribute the little that we could as we live while they have done their part.
Sarah, Georgina and Katrina, we share your sadness, offer our humble prayers and long for the fellowship & collaboration for the good of all people in our earthly existence as we journey on to seek the eternal joy.
Peter & Christina Fan.
10th January 2021.
Martha Lemieux
January 10, 2021
To Georgina Steinsky,
Dear Georgina,
I read about your son and grandchildren’s tragic deaths in the Globe and Mail and I just wanted to offer you my deepest condolences.
Martha Lemieux
Nidia Harris
January 9, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Milly and Ivo Syptak
January 9, 2021
The shock and sadness of this overwhelming tragedy is bringing the reality of our short life into sharp perspective. Please accept our heart felt sincere condolences.
We know Michael only through his grieving mother Georgina who, post visiting the young family in California, would proudly give us glimpses of her children and grand children through photos taken while visiting her young family for important birthday celebrations and other milestones. "Grandma, are you coming down for my birthday?" and of course Georgina would would have to take off from Toronto for at least a couple of days for this treasured moment with her grandson and beloved family. We are sure it was worth every moment. These treasures will last beyond our life time, and forever be remembered.
God with you and your family during this extremely difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Milly and Ivo Syptak
Philip Cartwright
January 9, 2021
I’m so very sorry for your family’s loss, Georgina. Wishing you comfort and peace.
Doug Lehrer
January 9, 2021
Dear Sarah and family:
I came to know about your tragedy from your cousin Nicole, who is my sister-in-law. My heart goes out to you as you attempt to deal with this unbearable loss. Please know there are thousands you don’t know who are grieving with you and supporting you from a distance.
Ben Willis
January 9, 2021
Georgina Katrina Sarah My sincere condolences At this sad time regards Ben Willis
miro forest (smajzl)
January 9, 2021
I was startled and deeply saddened when I read about the tragic deaths of these three young people. I am very connected to Michael's family through many intersections. My sister in law is his aunt, Michael's sister worked for my wife , I dealt with Michael's father when I was in the telecommunications business, my wife attended high school with Michael's mother, and I and my family had were connected to Michael's mother and grandparents through the Czechoslovak community.
I cannot even begin to understand the emotions and feelings of this tragic loss for Sarah and her family. I can do no more than to express my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her and hope that she can find her path forward.
Madeleine Czigler
January 9, 2021
Sending my deepest sympathy to Georgina and her family.
Sending love and strength.
Madeleine Czigler
Frauka Kozar
January 9, 2021
My deepest condolences unknowingly I am sending you prayers strength and compassion, if there is anything I can help or do please know I am here and I feel you ! I am a mother who lost her son 17 month ago tragically, and i am offering support . May you find hope, peace and answers in this terrible tragedy
Maureen Koehler
January 8, 2021
My heart goes out to this beautiful family. I had only just met them and what a lasting impression they will have one me forever. Sending so much love♥
Susana Praetzel
January 8, 2021
I am so sorry for this tragic loss.
Susan Power
January 8, 2021
You are in my heart everyday. Know that abundant prayers are covering you with love, strength and comfort.
Christina Caswell
January 8, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Hold tight to the memories and just know that Heaven got 3 Angels that will now watch over the Family.
Prayers from
The Caswell Family
Betty Pamela Richard and Christina
January 8, 2021
My family was in Bodega Bay this week and heard of your unspeakable loss. I haven’t been able to get your family out of my thoughts. I don’t know you, but my heart aches for what you are experiencing. I will continue to pray for you, your family and your friends. There are certainly many dark days ahead, but trust that there will be light again. And hold tight to the love that you shared with your beautiful family.
Chantal Farand-Viau
January 8, 2021
Our most sincere condolences. Tragic news, no words can express our feelings of sadness right now. Sending love and strength. Chantal (Verity member)
The DeCook Family
January 8, 2021
Dearest Sarah and Family,
We did not know you but feel like we do. We are thinking about you all every day and sending so much strength, prayers, and thoughts to you all. Your Petaluma community grieves with you and are here to support you in any way you can.
Sending so much love,
The DeCooks
Laura, Maxine, and Michael
The Giles Family
January 8, 2021
Your story breaks my heart. So sorry for your unimaginable loss. May you find peace and love through every memory. ❤
January 8, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. We did not know your family well but remember that Marcella .. our daughter..babysat Katrina and Micheal snd our friend .. Betty Willis ... was caregiver for both the children ... our continued prayers and thoughts are with Your Georgina and Sarah his living wife ...
always In our thoughts and prayers
The Poling family
Diane, Jim
Marcella , Jimmy
Leanna , Melissa
Cynthia Conners
January 8, 2021
Although I did not know your family I felt compelled to add my entry in saying how sorry I am for your catastrophic loss. It is obvious that all 3 were simply amazing and very very special people. In telling your story of how the events unfolded I know I will never forget your family in my lifetime and for me they have all 3 left their mark in this world. As a 9th generation Californian who has spent most of her life at the beach it takes decades if not longer to understand the unpredictability of our coastline. Again my deepest condolences.
Nora
January 7, 2021
I'm so very sorry to hear about this sad, sad tragedy and the loss of this beautiful family. May they be reunited in Heaven, surrounded by the shalom of God until they meet with Sarah again. May God hold her in the palm of His hand and strengthen her for the days ahead.
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