Cyr Family Genealogy & History

Louis Cyr, born Cyprien-Noé Cyr, was a legendary Canadian strongman known for unparalleled feats of strength during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Highlights of his career include lifting 500 pounds with one finger and backlifting 4,337 pounds. Recognized by Ben Weider as possibly the strongest man ever, Cyr was a contemporary of Louis 'Apollon' Uni, earning them the title 'Kings of Strength.' His exploits were extensively publicized, including by Richard K. Fox, which helped cement his status as a strength icon. Cyr's remarkable achievements extended to a successful career as a showman, a police officer, and later as a tavern owner in St. Cunégonde.

Louis Cyr was born in Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville, Canada East, into a French-Canadian family. His exceptional strength was evident from a young age, working at a lumber camp and on the family farm. The Cyr family immigrated to Lowell, Massachusetts, where Cyr changed his name to Louis for ease of pronunciation. He married Melina Comtois in 1882, and together they toured Quebec, showcasing his strength as part of "The Troupe Cyr."

Lili St. Cyr, born Marie Frances Van Schaack, was a legendary American burlesque dancer and stripper recognized alongside Gypsy Rose Lee and Ann Corio. Renowned for her sophisticated and high-class performances, St. Cyr captivated audiences from the 1940s to the 1950s with her creative acts like "The Flying G" and "Jungle Goddess." Her career highlights included performances at Montreal's Gayety Theatre and Ciro's nightclub in Hollywood, where she was famously acquitted of indecent exposure charges. St. Cyr's legacy in the burlesque world is cemented by her unique shows and cultural impact.

Lili St. Cyr was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Idella Marian Van Shaack (née Peeza) and Edward Van Shaack. She had two half-siblings from her mother's subsequent marriages. Her maternal grandmother raised her, but she maintained connections with her half-sisters, Idella and Rosemary, both of whom found success in entertainment, with Rosemary also becoming a burlesque dancer. The family's artistic inclinations and connections greatly influenced St. Cyr's path in performance arts.

Myriam Cyr is a Canadian actress and writer renowned for her roles in films like "Gothic" as Claire Clairmont and "I Shot Andy Warhol" as Ultra Violet. She gained acclaim for her literary work with the 2006 publication "Letters of a Portuguese Nun: Uncovering the Mystery Behind a 17th Century Forbidden Love" and showcased her directorial talents with the 2017 play "Saltonstall’s Trial," set during the Salem witch trials. Her diverse career highlights in film and literature have established her as a notable figure in both industries.

Myriam Cyr's personal life includes being a mother to three sons: James, Gabriel, and Leonid. She has two sisters, including actress and singer Isabelle Cyr, and a brother. Cyr has been married to Gifford West for over two decades.

Frank W. Cyr, known as the "Father of the Yellow School Bus," was a pioneering American educator born on July 7, 1900, near Franklin, Nebraska. He made significant contributions to school transportation by organizing the first national standards conference in 1939, which standardized the iconic yellow color for school buses. Cyr was also a prominent figure in rural education, serving as a superintendent and later as a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. He authored several influential works on rural education and played a vital role in developing school transportation policies during wartime.