Frank Horyl

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frank Horyl, devoted husband and beloved father. Frank passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Monday May 15th after a brave battle with cancer.

Frank was born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia on March 28th, 1951 to the late Frank & Sophia (Adams) Horyl. After graduation from high school, Frank obtained his electrical engineering education in Halifax, soon returning to Cape Breton to join his father in the family business.

In 1975, Frank married the love of his life Margaret Keough and they enjoyed 50 wonderful and joyful years together.

Frank was a well-known and respected businessman as the Owner and President of Horyl’s Superior Sausage Company Ltd. Under his 40-year leadership, Frank turned the business into the great success and “Horyl” brand so many Cape Bretoners recognize today. One of his proudest moments was working alongside his wife, daughters and son-in-law, joining him in the ownership of the business. He had an expert talent at sausage making, and loved his work, his many employees and customers.

Frank spent many joy-filled days with Margie at their summer cottage in Irish Cove. He loved the outdoors, relaxing on their deck overlooking the Bras’d’Or Lake, mowing for hours, and sharing a cup of tea with extended family and neighbours. He was a passionate (and opinionated) Blue Jays fan, and loved being in the know, reading as many newspapers as he could find. He especially enjoyed watching hockey and football with his best friend and son-in-law, Chris. Few people would be surprised to learn he was also an enthusiastic accordion player, a skill he learned at a young age and loved to share with others.

Frank will be sadly missed by his wife, Margaret (Keough), River Ryan; daughters Carolann, River Ryan, and Christina (Chris) Campbell, River Ryan; sisters Joan Dalton, River Ryan and Colleen (Kevin) Parsons, Waterloo, and brother Joseph, River Ryan; brother-in-law Sandy (Shirley) Keough, Halifax; sister-in-laws Sharon (Earl) Covin, Halifax and Mary (Jamie) Mansfield, Milton; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Besides his parents, Frank was predeceased by his in-laws, Joseph & Annie Mae Keough, and brother-in-law, Pius Keough.

Frank was a fine, sweet man who gave so much of his heart to others. We will all miss his easy smile, his kindhearted nature and contagious sense of humour. He will be especially missed by his close companions, Coco & Cosmo.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McLellan Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave, New Waterford. In keeping with Frank's wishes a private burial service will be held at a later date.

A special thank you to the many nurses and doctors for the compassionate and excellent care of Frank, especially the An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.  Please go to the Tribute Wall tab at the top of this page to express your words of comfort and condolence directly to the family. 

“Smile and the world smiles with you.”

AFTER GLOW

I’d like the memory of me,

To be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an after glow

Of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo,

Whispering softly down the ways.

Of happy times and laughing times,

And bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve,

To dry before the sun.

Of happy memories that I leave,

When life is done