David Michael Haratyk  - Sherman, Texas

A celebration of life for David Michael Haratyk will be held on Saturday, December 15, at Waldo Funeral Home in the Family Center at 1:00 p.m. Dave was a quiet guy who loved his family and friends with no reservations. In return, his family and friends loved and respected Dave.

Dave was born on January 15, 1948, in Thermopolis, Wyoming to the late George and Wilda (Schrock) Haratyk. He grew up in a small oilfield camp in Wyoming, Hamilton Dome, where he attended a country school until he went to high school in the big city of Thermopolis. He attended Chadron State College in Nebraska where he earned a bachelor's degree in Biology and Earth Science. He worked as a Claim Specialist for State Farm for 35 years, retiring in 2010 in order to travel with his wife, family, and friends, and to enjoy his grandchildren.

In addition to traveling and spending time with his grandchildren, Dave was an avid bridge player. He began playing duplicate bridge in high school and was a member of the American Contract Bridge League for 50 years. He enjoyed competing in local bridge games as well as regional and national bridge tournaments. He was so dedicated to the game of bridge that when he traveled he played duplicate bridge in local clubs in Edinburgh, Scotland; Nice, France; and in Prague in the Czech Republic.

Dave was also a huge Denver Bronco and John Elway fan as well as a New York Yankees fan. He enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia for both of his teams, and he was also an avid collector of everything! He took great pleasure in showing his collections to his friends and family, and he also enjoyed finding and buying collectibles for the people in his life. Dave was quiet, but he had a dry sense of humor and he had a positive impact on everyone in his life.

Mr. Haratyk is survived by his wife Frances; his three daughters, Heather Haratyk, Clancy Sweets, and Alyssa Haratyk; his five grandchildren, and one great grandson. Survivors also include his brother, George Haratyk; and his two sisters, Shirley Ireland and Janet Edwards.

Memorials can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Denison at P.O. Box 23, Denison, TX 75021.

Arrangements are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, Texas.