Michael Anthony Zagyva

     Faith, family and service to others:  A simple summary for a tremendous man’s life, filled with love and accomplishments.  Michael Anthony Zagyva was born in Naperville, Illinois. His family moved to Southern California for a short time, but Mike lived his formative years in West Salem.  His father escorted him to the military recruiter and Mike’s impatience made him choose the shortest line; the US Marine Corps.  After his return from Vietnam, he met Marcia Norton, the new center of his life.  

     He strongly believed in giving back to the community.  He graduated from the Oregon College of Education and arrived as a teacher, at Eccles Elementary School, in 1974.  As new parents, Mike and Marcia quickly learned that a teacher’s salary was not enough to support a young family.  Mike enlisted in the Oregon National Guard and started his long career in military intelligence.  During the week, he served students in his community, and on the weekends he served his country.  His distinguished career spanned the Cold War; supported missions on the southern US Border, the Pacific Rim and in the Middle East.  After 40+ years of military service, he retired as Oregon’s State Command Chief Warrant Officer.

     Mike’s service to education strengthened as he transferred to Ackerman Junior High. As a social studies teacher, he was able to scratch his lifelong itch for US history, but he knew he could do more.  Night classes at Portland State University, for a Masters Degree, propelled his new direction into administration.  As a principal, he is well remembered for mentoring and supporting teachers, knowing each student’s name, and regularly substituting in classes, to stay engaged.  In 2004, after 30 years with the Canby School District, he retired but continued his service as a School Board Member.

     Interwoven through Mike’s life was his devotion to his Catholic faith.  Sundays, when not on military duty, you could find him at St. Patrick’s Church, in Canby.  He had a strong bond with Jesus and the Virgin Mary.  He answered their calls by regularly praying the Rosary and leading many religious pilgrimages to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

      Driving through Canby, you can see Mike’s impact on the community: new schools he helped develop; inspired teachers who have matched his dedication; former students who have become parents themselves; involvement with the Canby Kiwanis Club, and a Vietnam Memorial he helped bring to the community as a reminder of a soldier's sacrifice.  Canby recognized his service with a Hometown Hero Award in July 2021.

     If these were bricks to build Mike’s life, the cement that held it all together was his family.  He helped build the community in which he raised his own family.  It may seem that he did not have any free time, but he was  always there for family vacations, weekend adventures, and grandchildren's events. He is survived by his wife Marcia of 51 years, his son Michael Zagyva (spouse Alia), his daughter Sara Hepler (spouse Garth), his son John Zagyva (spouse Heather), ten grandchildren, and two sisters Leeann Cook and MaryLynn Gardner.

     If you choose to give back to others like Mike did, please send money to the American Red Cross or make a blood donation in his name.

     On May 4th, a Rosary will be said in his honor at 1:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Canby, Oregon with a funeral to follow at 1:30 p.m.  Mike’s Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. at Canby High School’s Fine Arts Center.  All are welcome.