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Leaving A Contrail (formerly self-published as Air Force Blue) is now published by General Store Publishing House and covers 33 years of my life as a pilot in the Canadian Air Force.
Prairie Roots was published by Libros Libertad in March 2008, followed by Nukes on the 49th in July 2010.
Biography
Michael Zrymiak is a Saskatchewan native son. He was born into an immigrant farming family, attended a country school called Hard Rock, and later Glenavon High, before enrolling in the RCAF pilot program in 1954.
Michael received his wings on the T-33 Silver Star jet trainer in October 1955 and served his first tour as a flying instructor in Moose Jaw. For the next 32 years he served in a variety of locations including 17 years in Ottawa. Military highlights include flying with the VIP squadron in Ottawa: as pilot in command for Queen Elizabeth on three occasions, the Queen Mother on one occasion, a number of Governors General including Georges Vanier, and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. He had two tours in Europe including as a Military Attaché in Czechoslovakia in the early 80's - an interesting experience that included detention and a taste of tear gas. He then served as the base commander at CFB Edmonton from where he retired as a Colonel in 1987. He transferred to the Air Reserve to serve another four years representing British Columbia interests.
Michael was appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit in 1982, with the presentation made by the Governor General.
On retirement from active service he and his wife Terry settled in Langley B C where they developed a nursery farm which they sold in 1992, relocating to the White Rock area. He also managed the Langley Airport from 1989 to 1991 and, recently, developed two acreage properties. Michael has also been involved in the back rooms of federal politics, working on three separate campaigns including as manager in 1993. He has served on a number of community committees and executives.
Michael saw retirement as an opportunity to expand his interests and did–to include writing, oil painting, photography, tennis, and other sports. Their four children added one other interest – seven grandchildren.
He has written and released seven books. Prairie Roots is published by Libros Libertad. A new book, Nukes on the 49th, will be published by Libros Libertad in June 2010. The five self-published books include Wines of British Columbia – A Buyers' Guide, Air Force Blue, And No Mosquitoes, Liberal Entitlements, and Ripples - a poetry and photo book.