It is with a tremendous sense of sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our great friend, Michael Pyryt. Not only was Michael a very distinguished scholar in the field of gifted education; he was a driving force in the awareness and development of gifted education in Alberta and beyond.

Michael grew up in Garfield, New Jersey. He attended Johns Hopkins University where he obtained both undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology. His doctorate was achieved at the University of Kansas. Michael came to Calgary from West Virginia in 1989, teaching in the Division of Applied Psychology. He eventually assumed the directorship of the Centre for Gifted Education at the U of C in 2000.

Michael’s academic contributions are numerous. He has published extensively in the field of gifted education, contributing as an author, reviewer and editor to such publications as The Handbook for Gifted Education, Roeper Review, Exceptional Education Canada, Gifted Child Quarterly and many, many more local, national and international publications. Michael also presented at conventions around the world and helped to organize local events such as SAGE Conferences and Dabrowski symposia.

While Michael’s academic credentials were extremely impressive, I would like to say that it was his authenticity as a person that made him a truly unique and unforgettable man. Both personally and professionally, he acted from a highly developed sense of values. He was a teacher in the truest sense of the word: not only given to imparting knowledge, which he possessed in seemingly endless abundance, but also given to the kind of infectious enthusiasm that made one believe, on so many levels, that this was important work. Michael was a mentor and advisor whose wisdom was highly sought by countless individuals and organizations, because what he said was always well considered and in the best interests of the seeker.

For a very, very long time, it is going to be oddly discomforting to attend events where Michael’s ubiquitous presence was a constant and not see his happy, welcoming smile, his thoughtful shrugs or his inimitable fashion. For those of us on the train of gifted education, it will seem as though a powerful engine has been taken away and we are in danger of slowing to a stop. For Michael’s sake, we shall have to work just a little harder, with a greater sense of determination, to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Michael leaves behind many, many friends, admirers, and colleagues. Our sympathies go to his wife, Leta Gonzales-Pyryt, daughter, Tara, and her husband Chris, granddaughter, Brooke, the staff at the Centre for Gifted Education and to his good friend and long-time collaborator, Dr. Sal Mendaglio.

Hal Curties, President, GTEC
(taken from SAGE Words, Vol.7, No.2)