EUGENE (GENE) JOSEPH PYRZ

Condolences & Memories (25 entries)

• I was in Paris some years ago with some friends, it must have been around 2008. We were drinking in a bar and were complaining to the barman that he served us 3/4 of a pint in a pint glass and we wanted to know where the rest was. Then Gene appeared, chimed in and in the end the barman filled out glasses to the brim. We only spoke to Gene for maybe half an hour, then he left because he had somewhere to be. We had exchanged email addresses and spoke a few times in the following months I think, then life happened and for whatever reason we didn't speak again. It was a pleasure to have met Gene, he was a very sincere, honest and kind human being. The news of his passing was a very big shock to me, as I had often hoped we might cross paths again in the future, and maybe enjoy a beer or two in a bar somewhere. - Posted by: Ashley Richardson (Acquaintance) on: Jul 21, 2015

• I was absent from Winnipeg when Gene passed away from us. I read about his passing today in the Winnipeg Free Press in the section dedicated to noted passings in 2014. As a teacher, I used to patrol the playground at St. Alphonsus School during recess breaks. Invariably I was joined by a diminutive Gene and we would walk and talk. He was a great conversationalist and quite "smart" for his tender years. After I left St. Al's, I saw Gene sporadically as our paths did not often cross in Winnipeg. However I followed his thespian and musical career with great interest and admiration. The last time I saw Gene was at his New Year's Eve performance in his role as Hank in Hank Williams: The Show He Never Gave. It was to me one of the best performances I have ever seen on stage. With his musical and acting abilities, he "nailed" the role! You will be missed! - Posted by: Al Bryski (Former Teacher and a Hank Williams admirer) on: Jan 03, 2015

• I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Gene's family, and his partner Ruth. I performed with Gene in many productions in the 90s in Winnipeg. Gene was a wonderful colleague and friend, and we shared many fantastic stage experiences. I have especially fond memories of the first performance of Blade at the Fringe Festival in Winnipeg, and the tour of Everybody's Business in Manitoba. Before I knew Gene, I was a huge fan of Combo Combo and his music. He was a gifted artist, and a wonderful human being with an amazing sense of humor. He will be missed very much by all those who knew him. He was such a talent, much loved and admired by a generation of Winnipeg theatre and music lovers. He shared his gifts with much generosity. - Posted by: Maria Lamont (friend and colleague) on: Apr 30, 2014

• Adieu Tenderheart. I will look for you in the night sky. - Posted by: Kathryn Stuart (friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

• I was lucky enough to share the stage with Gene in a couple of different bands. He had a presence that was undeniable; if Gene was performing, everyone was watching. I first saw him act in Three Penny Opera as Mack The Knife. It was then I realized that Gene was a truly gifted performer and of a skill level far beyond his peers. He embraced life and art wholeheartedly, witty, kind, and always supportive. I miss Gene. - Posted by: Wally Landreth (Friend, fellow traveler, fan) on: Mar 06, 2014

• Gene and I met in the early 80's when Combo Combo was the house band at a small bar I worked as a bartender. We became friends. My last memories were the conversations about music and movies at the Curtis Hotel. You will be missed my friend. - Posted by: Darren De Visser (friend) on: Mar 02, 2014

• All the world may be a stage, but you - my dear friend - were no mere player. And I know this from our shared experiences, as we rock 'n rolled our way through the years together. You were a special breed, that shone with brilliance in all things creative. And your energies were pure and direct, and lifted onlookers to heights of wonderment anytime you stood before them. Indeed, the rains will continue to fall upon us, but the accompanying thunder will always be a sign that your Heavenly amplifier is blasting loud and clear. - Posted by: Bob Martin (friend) on: Mar 02, 2014

• Farewell, Gene, my friend. Ruth, my love to you. - Posted by: patricia mason (tax preparer/ friend) on: Mar 01, 2014

• I first met Gene when I was 16 or 17 - I don't remember how we got together but it seemed like all of a sudden I was in a band with Gene we called The Score. The band was Gene, myself and Jeff Beck on guitar - the Charleswood Jeff Beck. Although I was younger than Gene and Jeff, and this was my first bar band, I was always treated with respect and as an equal, that was always Gene's way. We drifted apart from each other but we were always on each others radar and when I moved to Toronto in the early 2000's my friend Will called me and said "Gene's in Toronto too - you have to call him". I did and we played together on several occasions with several bands around Toronto. Gene moved back to Winnipeg and I followed and we played together with Ken Pinchin as Combo Combo a few times. Ken, my heart goes out to you - I know how close you and Gene were. A few months ago I had heard from Gerry Atwell that Gene was sick and on a visit to Winnipeg, having moved back to Toronto, I had intended to see Gene - but you know the story about good intentions - that is my deep regret. It was a privilege to know Gene as well as I did, Ken, Dan and Buck, we lost a good man. - Posted by: Mike Andreosso (Band Mate) on: Mar 01, 2014

• The faboulous Hatcher Boys and the great Dave Briggs found this guy from Elmwood to replace a fairly lame bass player and from night one it was like a young Nick Lowe and a young Dave Edmunds joined the band... He not only had all the licks and all the chicks but he was a true Gentleman. I was extremely proud to have known him and to have remained friends with him for close to forty years... - Posted by: Johnny Legree (Friend and former roadie for the one and only The Fuse....circa 1978/1979;;;) on: Mar 01, 2014

• Gene was a wonderful person and close friend. He was an exceptional artist to the core, very dedicated to his craft and love of the arts. He could recite from 'Shakespeare to Streetcar' and then hit the stage with 'Combo Combo' and just give an electric performance. He was a show stopper, wildly committed to his passion for music and stage. I was so saddened to hear of his passing so young, I do know that when he gave it, he gave it all. Funny, heartwarming and born to perform. My heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Ruth, his family and close friends. A passage he knew well... "To sing, to laugh, to dream, to walk in my own way and be alone, free, with an eye to see things as they are, a voice that means manhood - to cock my hat where I choose - " Cyrano de Bergerac Farewell dear Gene...Susan Andrew, Banff,AB - Posted by: Susan Andrew (friend) on: Feb 28, 2014

• This sad news today has brought me to tears...I was blessed to have Gene (and his sister Chris) as my youth group leaders at St. Alphonsus when I was a young and impressionable teenager. The way he shared his faith with our small group is a gift I have carried with me my whole life. Here was this incredibly cool, (and incredibly cute!), young man that was so open about sharing his faith with us. It was the first time in my young Catholic life that anyone shared with me what it means to have a relationship with Christ and how very much He loves me exactly how I am, right here, right now. That being a Catholic Christian was about so much more than just showing up at Church every week going through the motions. He was walking the walk AND being this amazing cool guy in a band - (Combo Combo at the UMZoo and the Albert were always a favorite for me once I was older)! His example had a profound effect on my faith and my life. I have strived in my life to pass on this same message in the way that he did not only to my own 4 kids, but to those I am teaching (and have taught in the past), in Catechism and especially in Confirmation preparation, and that message was this - You are loved exactly as you are by the One who made you and to preach the gospel at all times, (and if necessary, use words)! I have often wondered over the years as I've prepared my lessons, if he ever had any idea the effect he had on us kids but just sharing his faith with us. I wish I could have told him how very thanks for that. Rest in Peace, Gene - the world is a better place because you were in it!! My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones - I hope your great memories help you through these most sad of days - God Bless you all - Posted by: Jennifer (Plaitin) Borsboom () on: Feb 28, 2014

• Many thanks Gene for the Combo Combo, MTC and SIR memories: awesome sets at the Royal Albert; Benjamin's; U of M MPR; Regal Beagle; Bella Vista. Friends and fellow fans Jason, Bryan and I recall with much amusement that cold night at Bella Vista, New Year's Eve with Combo Combo, Keanu Reeves et al. Who else would run out during a set to the corner of Wolseley and Maryland in sub zero temps to bullwhip a traffic control box, or was it a fire hydrant? We'll miss you my friend. - Posted by: Doug (Fan) on: Feb 28, 2014

• I used to notice this Rockabilly guy hanging around the Winnipeg Fringe when I first came to Canada with my troupe, Sensible Footwear. He was very charismatic and mysterious and I was too shy to speak to him. Years later he and I spent many evenings in fits of laughter at The King's Head, my fringe home from home. We stayed in touch and he turned up in Toronto too much to my surprise. Gene was such a talent, and so kind and funny and with no ego..unusual in a performer. He was an huge inspiration in his theatre and musical community and he will be sadly missed by audience and colleagues alike. Much love to Ruth and his family. As far as I was concerned he was Hank Williams! XxX - Posted by: Alex Dallas (Friend) on: Feb 28, 2014

• My condolences to family & friends/fans of Mr. Pyrz. - Posted by: Mrs. Freida Mercredi (A fan.) on: Feb 28, 2014

• I'll never forget seeing Gene embody Hank Williams in his tribute at the Windsor Hotel - genius. - Posted by: Barbara (fan) on: Feb 28, 2014

• Kind heart, true life. Honest determination. Your spirit is great and will be with us all. Thank you, Sir Gene Pyrz, for your greatness and your sincerity. Love will become us All. My most sincere condolences to his partner, Ruth, and Gene's family. - Posted by: Margaret Camara (Friend) on: Feb 27, 2014

• Gene is well known for his many talents and gifts. I will remember him as kind, fearless, and totally unique. I am glad Gene was able to die at home surrounded by love. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Susan (friend) on: Feb 27, 2014

• We are away in the U.S. but our daughter in Winnipeg sent us Gene's obituary today (Feb. 27). We send our condolences to his family, his friends, and especially to Ruth Luff. - Posted by: Kay and Daniel Stone (friends of Ruth Luff, admirers of Gene) on: Feb 27, 2014

• If music be the food of love, play on - Posted by: sarah (friend) on: Feb 27, 2014

• My condolences to Ruth and Gene's family. I met Gene in the 80's likely at the Albert, Magpie and Stump, Blue Note, Bella Vista, Windsor and Times etc.. Combo Combo era never a dull moment when Gene was around. He acted with my little brother in plays at the Gas Station Theatre also. Winnipeg has lost a true talent and an all around good guy! What a voice!! - Posted by: Jane (acquaintance and fan ) on: Feb 27, 2014

• So many fond memories, and too short a life, yet a life well spent!!! Take a bow Gene... - Posted by: Monica () on: Feb 27, 2014

• I am happy to have crossed Paths with Gene. I was in my youth working at the Royal Albert at the time. He played so many venues over the years. He was a star at Magpie & Stump on Osborne street in the hay days. (Now Carlos & Murphy's) in Winnipeg. Always drawing a great crowd of people. I left Winnipeg to head to Banff Ab, to later own and operate the existing Magpie & Stump at the time. Of course bringing out some of Wpg 's great talent to the West over a 20 year span. I'd have to say Gene was definitely someone I looked forward to seeing and playing ! He was such a unique person. Really one of a kind. So many great memories ! What a loss ! Until we meet again .... Later DADDY -O Marla Madden Banff Ab - Posted by: Marla Madden (Friend ) on: Feb 27, 2014

• Gene and I went to the same High School. I remember he was always involved in the music program. I got to know him much better around 1981 when I started working with another close friend of his (Susan). What can I say, he was so very talented. "Gene, I will miss you". My condolences to Ruth and the whole Pyrz family. - Posted by: Deborah (Friend) on: Feb 27, 2014

• When I was a teen, sneaking into the Albert to catch a set of Combo Combo was the height of excitement. For my friend and I, Gene, Buck and Dan were our rock stars; and rock starts they were. In a sense those early experiences with live music kind of spoiled me for a lot of the rest because so few other acts could measure up to the show that Combo Combo put on on any given night. Whether playing to a full house or to a handful of folks after hours at the Blue Note, these guys put on a show. Gene was such a magnetic and incredibly talented performer, that it was impossible to not watch him. How many guys can you name that can sing Roy Orbison with conviction while also pulling of lead roles in Shakespearean Theatre? Over the years as his career soared, Gene often served as an example of the great talent that we have in this town. He was a bright light, without a doubt and I am sorry that he will not illuminate the stage any more in person. I think his influence lives on though, in the many acts and performers that were moved by watching not only his talent but also his full dedication to the art of entertaining. My sincere condolences to his loved ones. Travel well Mr. Pyrz. Thank you for the memories. - Posted by: Chris () on: Feb 27, 2014