Henry "Hank" Ryz

On August 28, 2018, our lives changed forever.  Henry "Hank" Ryz passed away at the age of 65, with his family by his side.

Henry was born on February 1, 1953, in Dauphin, MB to John and Jean Ryz.  He attended his school years in Dauphin and graduated from the Dauphin Collegiate in 1971.  Growing up in Dauphin, Hank spent most of his time at the outdoor rinks playing the game he loved, "hockey."  He started working at the age of 13 at Skyliner restaurant and was always eager to help his Dad out at the family farm.  Hank enjoyed spending time with his brothers trapping, fishing and hunting partridges. Even at a young age, Hank was a social butterfly.  He was known as a trickster and good for getting into trouble with the neighborhood boys.

In 1972, at 18 years of age, Hank landed the CNR job; which gave his dad great pride.  He started as Brakeman, then Conductor, and ended his career as an Engineer for many years.  In 2009, Hank retired from the rail road after 37 years of service.

On July 25, 1973, Hank married the love of his life, Diane Hominuk.  Their family quickly grew with a son, Greg, a daughter, Christina, and another son, Chad.  While being a busy railroader, Hank and Di decided to pursue the family farm, which they both loved.  Soon the farm expanded with Di by his side and Greg as his "right hand man."  With endless hours working the rail, the family grain farm started to expand to the adventures of the cattle business for 20 years.  After 40 years, Hank and Di retired from farming and Greg and Linda carried on with the family farming activities.

Hank had a fast and furious life.  His passion of the Ukrainian culture was evident.  From being involved as one of the original Riding and Dancing Cossacks to never missing a Ukrainian Festival.  That Ukrainian music was found in every vehicle he drove, from the combine to the half ton truck.  In his younger years, Hank was active in the Kinsmen "Brotherhood," and never missed the Brandon Old-Timer Hockey Tournaments.  Then there was the unforgettable Grey Cup trips with Ernie and the boys.  Hank on the tambourine and Ernie on the banjo.  Hank considered himself to be an avid hunter, which lead to various hunting trips.  From caribou hunting up north to hunting elk in Keldafornia.

Hank was incredible at finding the spare time in the summer to fit in Countryfest every year, camping at Stoney Point and Blue Lakes, and in most recent years at Sporty's in Clear Lake.  He loved to get on the lake in his pontoon and go cruising for the afternoon with Di and his grandkids.  That brought him so much joy.  In the winter it was ice fishing, bowling, watching his grandkids numerous activities, and of course, attending every single Dauphin King's game.  For over 30 years Hank and Di travelled to many destination, such as Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Las Vegas, Arizona, and the Caribbean.  These trips were always with their most favorite travelling sidekicks.

Hank cherished all the great times he spent with his family, and he was so proud of his kids. His most favorite times were hitting the road to watch Christina sing and Greg and Chad play hockey.  His wife, his kids, and his grandkids were all very special to him.

Hank is survived by his wife, Diane of 45 years.  His children, Greg (Linda), Christina (Todd), Chad (Liz). His 6 beautiful grandchildren, Haley, Carly, Samantha & Matthew, Parker, Reese.  His father-in-law Peter Hominuk. Also left to mourn are his siblings, Olive (Frank) Michaleski, Bernie (Darlene) Ryz, Mary (George) Rempel, Arnold Ryz, and numerous family members.  Hank was predeceased by his parents, John & Jean Ryz, brother Leonard Ryz, and mother-in-law Florence Hominuk.

Funeral Mass was held on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 2:00 pm from St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church in Dauphin, MB with Father John Legitimas officiating. 

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Hank may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba. 

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