It is with great sadness we share that John William (Bill) Pygas passed away peacefully on February 27th, 2023 surrounded by family at his home in Cumberland, Ontario. He was born in Montreal to the late Eleanor R (Keegan) and the late Joseph G Pygas. He will be missed by his loving wife of more than 60 years Margot (Holt) and his children Robert Pygas (Stephanie), Judy Sharkey (Dave), and Wendy Seyler (Carl). Beloved grandfather to Joseph and Andrew Pygas; Megan, Eric (Niyo Jacob), and Sarah Sharkey; Emily Seguin (Paul), and Rebecca Kinney (Joel). Great grandfather to William Kinney. Predeceased by brother Michael Pygas. He will be missed greatly by countless friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would also like to acknowledge and thank Ches and Sylvia for their love and support.
Bill and Margot built their home in Cumberland almost 60 years ago and have since been active members of their community. He was a charter member of Cumberland Lions Club and of the St Andrew’s United Church Men’s Club. Bill had a fulfilling career as a technologist at the NRC Hertzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre and especially enjoyed his trips to Churchill, Manitoba where he worked on the rocket range. In his retirement Bill built a cottage in Westport, Ontario on Upper Rideau Lake where he spent summers with his family and friends. He had many talents and interests including woodworking, cabinet making, photography, genealogy, making maple syrup, and attending his grandchildren’s many events such as dance shows, hockey, and ringette games. Bill and Margot also enjoyed vacations across Canada, the US, and Europe throughout their marriage.
All are welcome at a visitation at the Lions Maple Hall, Cumberland on Sunday March 12th from 2-4 PM. The service and interment will be at the gravesite at Dale’s Cemetery (Cumberland) on Saturday May 27, 2023 at 2 PM.