de Vries, Cyril “Cy” Peter,
was born 11/11/47 to Astrid and Peter de Vries. He graduated from Hopkins High School in 1965 and then from the Institute of Technology at the University of Minnesota. Cy pursued a PhD in physics, finishing “all but dissertation.” During graduate school, Cy was drafted into the Army and served at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., from 1970-72.
Cy married Colleen Gonsior on March 20, 1981. They moved to Poughkeepsie, NY, for Cy’s “dream job” at IBM and started a family. Cy was an involved, hands-on Dad and cherished time spent with his children Teresa and Douglas.
An only child, he highly valued his family. In 1993, Cy quit his job and moved his family back to Minnesota to be with his parents as they were getting older and so his kids could know their grandparents before they died.
Cy is survived by and dearly loved by his in-laws: Irene, Dianne, Sandy, Janet (Dave), Lori (Stan) and brother Steven (Terri). He is also survived by his dear friends Stan & Janet Jacobson, whose friendship remained steadfast, along with many other high school, College and grad school friends. A good friend of Cy’s remembers him as “smart, funny, expected little and gave a lot, respected and admired.”
Cy died December 12, 2019 at the Veteran’s Home in Minneapolis after enduring Multiple Sclerosis for the last ten years. Colleen was by his side every day. The family offers heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Veterans Home and Mount Olivet Careview for their loving care and companionship.
A memorial service celebrating Cy’s life will be held Friday, December 20th at 10:30 am at the Veteran Home, 5101 Minnehaha Avenue, 55417. Visitation starts at 9:30 am. If desired, memorials preferred to the Veteran Home Minneapolis Family Council.
Private interment at For Snelling National Cemetery.