It is with heavy hearts that the family of Victor Prytula of Tway, Saskatchewan, announce his passing on Friday, October 9, 2015.  Victor was born to John and Polly Prytula (nee Rybka) May 2, 1928, and lived his entire 87 years in Tway, and no telling of his story would be complete without expressing his love for his home.  Victor believed Canada was the greatest nation on earth, that Saskatchewan was the best province in the country, and that Tway was the most beautiful part of the province.  He was always proud of his home, and happy to share stories of it with strangers (none of whom had heard of it previously, I suppose).  He participated on the town council for years, helped organize the Celebrate Saskatchewan festivities in 1980, and was instrumental in arranging for the construction of a new curling rink and recreation hall in town. Victor ran the general store in Tway, taking over when his father passed away in 1947.  Victor was a young man of 19 at the time, but he took up with earnestness the responsibility of running the store while helping raise his younger brothers and sisters: Elizabeth, Eva, Peter, Anne John & Ollie ranging in ages 3-17.   He set aside his aspirations for a higher education helping his siblings to achieve theirs.  Even at his young age he managed the family, the store and the farm. He still found time to enjoy his favorite sports and hobbies.  He was an avid fisherman, an accomplished curler, and played baseball and hockey with passion and especially enjoyed watching Hockey Night in Canada. Victor was an avid reader and fan of the CBC, always keeping up to date with the news and satisfying his curiosity about science and history. Victor loved talking to people, learning their opinions on everything from sports to politics to practically anything they cared to talk about. His outgoing nature and willingness to share his time with family, friends and strangers left many with a warm feeling for the man.  In 1958, Victor married the love of his life, Victoria Tomiak, and the couple were blessed with three children: Patricia Gayle, Carla Marie and James Robert.  Victoria passed away in 1985, but not before being blessed with their first granddaughter, Chantel.  As Victor held education in high esteem, it was a particular point of pride when Chantel received her doctorate in 2007.  From the mid ‘80’s to present his store became a national treasure even as the population of Tway diminished.  Attracting worldwide attention as people came from as far away as Europe and Australia to visit his charming store.  He was featured on CBC TV`s Country Roads, in several books and numerous newspapers. Victor reached his goal of 100 years in business this past summer, August 15th 2015.  Victor will be lovingly remembered by his family: Patricia (Brian) Carla (Glen) and James; his grandchildren: Cody (Erica), Danica (Mike), Lacey (Anthony), Dr. Chantel Benson (Patrick) and Sarah; great grandson Caleb; his brother and sisters: Elizabeth, Eva, Anne (Roman), John and Ollie (Bill); his godchild Sharon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Victor was predeceased by his wife Victoria, his father John and mother Polly; brothers Peter and Louis; sister Susanne; mother-in-law Mary; as well as numerous sisters and brothers-in-law. Victor shall always be remembered as The Little Engine That Could.  Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 – 28th Street West, Prince Albert, SK with Celebrant Sherry Ouellette.  Interment will be held at St.  Paraskewia Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Tway District.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

• Date : 2015-10-09