William Anthony Haratyk

Our lives changed forever on Sunday, September 3, 2023, when our husband, Dad, Grampa, brother, friend, employee, Uncle, and B U B gave sight to the blind as he passed into eternity.  Generous beyond measure in life, he chose organ donation after his death so another fisherman might see.  We are grateful we had 68 years to love, laugh, cry, work, hunt, fish, cook, garden, campfire, and coffee with one of God’s finest.

Bub was born on January 31, 1955, to Wilhelm and Elizabeth (Yalowizer) Haratyk in Sheridan Wyoming.  His early years were spent in the one-room Meade Creek Elementary School.  He graduated from Big Horn High School in 1973 where he found his love for football. He was a proud center for the Big Horn Rams for four years. He remained a loyal Wyoming Cowboys fan through triumph or tragedy.

Bub had a strong work ethic from when he learned to drive the 8N Ford with his Dad and dubbed himself a “professional driver” until Multiple Sclerosis robbed him of his physical abilities in 2017. His early career was in the “oil patch” until he was hired as a heavy equipment operator at “the Mine”. Whatever he did, he gave it his all.  He was always a dependable, dedicated employee.

Bub was quick-witted, always assigning people nicknames and envisioning believable, historical lore.  We fished Lake Adelaide numerous times before realizing the legend of the twins from Norway was all fiction. Bub’s greatest passion was introducing friends and family to all the best fishing spots in the Big Horn Mountains.  He always said there was no such thing as a bad day when you are fishing.

His parents Bill and Libby Haratyk preceded him in death, his sister Annie Drown, and his brother, Benny Haratyk.  He leaves behind his strong and caring wife, Mary Legato Haratyk; he was a proud Father to daughters Amy (Joe) Williamson, and Angie (Dale “Sarge”) Willis; and he had the bragging rights to grandchildren Carsen Canfield, Brynn, and Kinley Burton, and Delaney Williamson.  He is survived by his three beloved sisters, Linda Little, Teresa (Bruce) Davidson, Angie Armstrong, and a wealth of cherished nieces and nephews.

Bub accepted his illness with humility, grit, and grace.  We will always feel the void his passing brought about, but we thank God we had the opportunity to care for him as he consistently cared for us.

I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.

John 11:25

Memorial donations to honor Bill may be made to the Hub on Smith, Family Caregiver Support Group,  211 Smith Street, Sheridan, WY 82801.

A Celebration of Life is 1:00 to 4:00 P.M., Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the National Guard Armory. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.