James "Jim" William Hyrich

UPDATE: due to the road closures and stormy weather, the burial is postponed to Saturday, February 28th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Brookdale Cemetery, Holland, MB. All are welcome to attend.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of James William “Jim” Hyrich. On February 12th, 2026 at the age of 79 years old, he passed away peacefully at his residence in Portage la Prairie, into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior.

Lovingly remembered by his daughter Christa Hyrich (Shawn Eaton), son Dustin Hyrich, grandchildren Aiden and Ella Eaton, and the mother of his children Emily Hyrich. He is also survived by brother Bob (Pat) Hyrich, Gordon (Rita) Hyrich, John Hyrich, Dennis Hyrich, brother-in-law John Kabaluk, nieces and nephews, Charlene, Cheryl, Jason, Sean, Kelly, Jolyn, and a wide circle of friends. Dad was predeceased by his parents Bill and Victoria Hyrich, and sister Betty Kabaluk.

Dad was born in Holland, Manitoba where he was raised on a farm Northwest of town.  He attended school in Holland, and went on to continue his education at the University of Manitoba earning a Degree in Agronomy. Dad moved to Portage la Prairie in 1971 where he settled, and few years later started his family.  Christa was born in 1977, and Dustin came along in 1980. Dad worked for the Manitoba Government as a Farm Advisor, Portage Credit Union as an Agricultural Loans Officer. In 1991 Dad started Hyrich Construction. This was one of his passions, a lot of it self taught with mentoring from his brother Bob. Dad became a jack of all the trades; there wasn’t much he didn’t do. He was a hard worker, and a perfectionist. He never really retired because he loved it so much. 

Dad was an avid gardener, he was known for his Saskatoon pies, he enjoyed painting landscapes scenes, travelling to Puerto Vallarta each year. He enjoyed judo, curling, and baseball. Dad’s greatest passion was for the love of the ball diamonds. As an adult the game switched from player to umpire where he had much success, and was still a very active umpire official last season, traveling all over Manitoba.

Dad loved to be around people. He loved chatting, popping in for quick visit, getting together with his coffee group, and visiting friends. He loved to play a joke on you. The people in his life meant a lot to him. His smile, laugh and sense of humour will be forever remembered.

Above all else, Dad loved his family. His children, and grandchildren were his greatest pride. There wasn’t many days where he didn’t stop in to see his grandkids. He would be at any event or sport they were involved in. They were the light if his life. 

His warmth, strength, and steady presence will be deeply missed, but the love he gave will leave a lasting impression, and live on in all who knew him.

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday February 27th at 11:00 am at Crescent Heights Chapel 1745 Saskatchewan Ave West, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba with viewing half an hour prior to the service. The burial is postponed to Saturday, February 28th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Brookdale Cemetery in Holland, Manitoba. Those who wish to join the family are welcome.

Arrangements entrusted to Ronald Moffit Memorial Services of Portage la Prairie, MB.

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