A Celebration of life for Michael “Mike” Paul Kyriakos, 65, Lawrence, will be 1-4pm, June 12, 2021 at Broken Arrow Park in Lawrence, KS. Please dress casual, tie dye and Ottawa high school apparel appreciated. Masks are encouraged as well as social distancing.
Mike passed away on Sunday, January 24th 2021.
He was born on June 10, 1955 to Jamie and Donald Bales in Albuquerque, NM.
After the passing of Donald Bales, Jamie married Dr. Michael Kyriakos who lovingly adopted and raised Mike. The family resided in Kirkwood, Missouri where Michael attended Kirkwood High School, graduating in 1973. Mike briefly attended the University of Washington in St. Louis. He later transferred to the University of Kansas and graduated with a degree in secondary education.
Mike began teaching in the Ottawa school district. He taught at Ottawa Middle school and later transferred to the Ottawa High school where he taught Sociology and American History. During his time at both schools he coached volleyball, cross country, track and field, and assisted with basketball and wrestling. Mike was the sponsor for the Ottawa High School Key Club.
Mike was very active with his children’s sports coaching them in both softball and volleyball. He was an avid music lover and enjoyed attending concerts through the year. He loved sports of all kinds, especially the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas University Jayhawks basketball team.
Mike was preceded in death by his father Donald Bales, his mother Jamie (Bales) Kyriakos, his aunt Jeanette Jordan, his uncle Richard Edwin Jordan and his brother-in-law Dr. Gary Vinyard.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sara (Vinyard) Kyriakos, his daughters Paula Forsythe [Noland] and Ellen Kyriakos, his brothers Edwin Matthew Kyriakos [Paula McAfee] and Kelly Kyriakos [Danielle], his father Dr. Michael Kyriakos, his aunt Ann Jessen [Hans], his aunt Irene Jordan, and his six nieces and nephews Zach Vinyard, Morgan Vinyard, Alex Kyriakos, Ashley Kyriakos, Noah Kyriakos and Jake Kyriakos.
Sara and family
So sorry for your loss. May happy memories give you comfort. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sara!
I enjoyed knowing Mike during my short time at Ottawa schools. It was easy to see why he was loved by so many!
Mike was my “across the hall neighbor” while I taught biology at Ottawa High School before the new science wing was completed. Mike was always someone I could turn to for information or help with anything that came up at OHS. He was especially kind and helpful to me during my first year of teaching at OHS. Later on I served on the Faculty Committee for the Honor Society with him at OHS. He seemed to know all the students who applied to become a member even though their names were “whited out” on their application letters for us to review. It was always a pleasure to work with Mike because he would get down to the job and get it done quickly and efficiently. I know he influenced many youths who went to OHS for an education and who also played in athletic sports that he coached or help coached. During the year that he was suppose to originally retire, I had asked him what had happened to change his mind. He said he needed to stay at least one more year as Chair of his department to get everything in order prior to his retiring. He cared for others and wanted to always leave life in a better state after him. My sympathy to you – Mike loved his family and was always sharing stories about you and how proud he was, especially of his daughters and their accomplishments.
Hi Sarah,
Sorry about the loss of Mike – when he passed we made a memorial donation to St Judes in his name, memorial was from the Jaimes Family and Ken Simonton. Mike was my Best Man in our wedding and he and I shared some special times. The one I remember the most was he and I sitting on top of a geodesic dome and talking about what the future might bring in a playground at Broken Arrow Park. So sad he left us at an early age.
Ellen, Paula, and Sara,
I will be out of town Saturday but wanted to let you know that you will be in my thoughts as you celebrate the life of your father and husband.
Take care,
Larry Bakerink
Dear Sara, Paula and Ellen,
Sarah and I were saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to you and your family.
Sara, I am sorry to learn of Mike’s passing and send my condolences to you and your family.
Dear Sara, I am thinking of you and your daughters and sending you courage and strength.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Take great care, Mary
Sara and family I am truly sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sara, Ellen and Paula..I knew Mike for over 45 years..He was one of the best and most giving people I ever met..He will be missed
K-Man as we called him on our softball team Bogarts Wild Bunch was a one of kind. He always retained a positive outlook in what ever his endeavors may include and was just a joy to be around. RIP ~ Mike
My sincere condolences 💐 to his family friends & anyone that knew him.
Diane and I are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Always enjoyed talking to both of you at Hanson parties over the years. Our thoughts are with you.
Sara, Paula, and Ellen,
I was so very saddened to read of Mike’s death. He contributed so much to so many. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You will always be a special family to me. Sending love. Carlotta (Hemphill) Edmonds
So sorry for your loss mr. K was my 6th grade teacher and he was so funny I really loved his class rest in peace mr.k my condolences to you and your family
Sara and Family-
I am saddened by your shocking loss. Mike was a good family man. May you find comfort in his many wonderful memories you have of him! Hugs and Prayers for you at this trying time. Barb George and Girls
Sara an family sorry for your loss. Mike was a good dude. My he rest in peace. Weegee Green.
Stacy and I are so sorry to learn of your loss. I remember Mike when our daughters were younger and he was such a wonderful person to be with. Our memories of him will always be of a kind and generous person. We are thinking of his family in this time of grief.
Paul and Stacy Silkiner
Sara & Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss! Mike was one of those rare teachers who was easy-going & relatable. He always treated students with kindness & respect. He was great to work with & he made my daughter, Hannah, feel truly special as his aide. Such an awesome man! Wishing you comfort, love & peace in the coming months.
Sara, Paula & Ellen
I was so stunned and saddened to learn of Michael’s passing today. What a great husband, father and person that will be greatly missed by so many. God Bless him and each one of you.
Sara, Paula, Ellen and family: I was so saddened to hear of the death of your husband and father and hope you are taking comfort in the support of your family and friends. I know this will be a difficult time for you. Please accept my sincere condolences.
I will certainly be thinking of all of you.
Carol Hampton
Sara, Paula, Ellen and extended family,
Our deepest sympathy during this devastating time. Mike was always so cheerful, helpful and involved. His dedication to coaching and teaching was amazing! Please reach out if there is anything we can do.
Dear Sara, Paula, Ellen and the rest of Mike’s team of family; It feels like there is a whole in Lawrence with his passing. He is probably coaching a whole different kind of team now. We are thankful to have known Mike as a colleague, friend, and teammate. Knowing Mike, he would want you to support each other, and let others help too! Mike left a positive impact on many students, colleagues, and friends. Thank you for sharing Mike with so many others. Much love to you and your family,
Donna and Rick
Mike’s classroom at OHS was across the hall from mine. I could count on him to help me with my questions or with my class as a new teacher. I got to know him better when we served on the School’s teacher committee for the Honors Society. I learned a lot from him as I watched how he interacted with students and teachers. He was truly loved and respected by his students, and it seemed to me that he could get them to do anything he asked of them. A rare quality in a teacher.
Mike was a great friend and a terrific teacher. He never wore some of his deepest feelings on his sleeve, though he was enormously accessible to those who needed him. May Christ keep him and his family and friends.
So many wonderful memories on the softball field with Mike. Truely a great human being. Prayers for you all.
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family Coach K. Great educator and coach. Loved by all
Jackson family OHS
Dear Sara & family;
Met you in the mid 1970’s in Lawrence while students at K U. You were so in love, I knew U 2 would be together the rest of your lives. At 73 it’s hard to see others younger pass when they lived a good life and stayed fit. Have not seen you since Hips celebration of life but have kept up with you thru Ken Simonton, who’s been my best friend 45 years. You’re in my prayers.
so sorry for your loss.
Sara, Paula, and Ellen,
What a monumental blow to lose Mike at such a young age. He was so devoted to all of you and a rock in times of struggle. I was always impressed with how involved Mike was with you girls–even volunteering to be the only dad serving as a unit leader at Girl Scout Camp. His wit, intelligence, and positive energy will be missed by many, and this loss will be felt every moment by you, Sara. I am so, so sorry.
Dear Sara, Paula, and Ellen,
I am keeping you in my prayers as you draw close to one another for comfort. May you feel God’s love surrounding and supporting you.
Sara, I’m shocked and sadden at Mikes passing. What a sweet guy. Loved seeing him around the softball diamond when we were younger and running into him at concerts too. Gone way too soon. Sorry for you and your families loss. Tracy Dethloff
Sara-
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Marvin and I are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our love to you.
Sara & Family
So sorry for your loss, Mike K-Man was a wonderful Sweet Guy. You are in our Thoughts and Payers.
Sincerely John & Vicki Miller
Sara and family-
Roger and I are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Sending love and hugs to your and your family.
Roger and Donna Field