That Northern star which shines more brightly each year over the Winnipeg West Agency belonged to William Lylyk, a young man whose determination and ability seemed destined to carry him to the very top as a career life underwriter.
Born on August 19, 1932 under the wide Western skies in Ethelbert, MB, William, after graduating from High School in 1950, entered the teaching profession and served as a school teacher for a number of years. Searching for a greater scope for his ambition than teaching offered, his first move was to the CNR where he became a telegraph operator and station agent. It wasn’t long before the life insurance business with its unlimited opportunities sought him out, and on April 15, 1959 William joined the Winnipeg Agency of the Northern Life.
With his capacity for hard, dogged work his name became known on the company production lists and it wasn’t long before he became a President’s Club qualifier and a regular member of the monthly Honour Roll. In company wide campaigns his name was always foremost, and he qualified for the Leaders Conference at Muskoka Sands.
Not only did he excel production wise, but he also worked consistently on the quality of his business, achieving the coveted National Quality Award. He was also a firm believer in the value of continuous education enrolling in LUATC in 1961 and graduating from the course with his studies leading to Chartered Life Underwriter.
William and his charming wife Elsie had one son, Shane. After his family and business, William’s interests included the Ukrainian Professional Business Men’s Club and the local golf course where he could swing a mean club.
With his drive and enthusiasm William achieved tremendous success in his business. William was not satisfied with life insurance, he had eyes set on the General Insurance license. He got a general insurance license, opened three offices; Fort Richmond, Southdale and Logan Avenue and had approximately 25 employees. He ran his successful business for 26 years and in 1997 he sold the business and retired.
During the time when he owned the business, he and Elsie travelled extensively; British Isles, Europe, Asia, The Orient, Hawaii, Spain and Morocco. They also holidayed in their condo on South Padre Island, later relocating to Phoenix, Arizona. They enjoyed summers at Falcon Lake where they owned different cottages and enjoyed boating, golf, and the company of many friends and relatives.
Bill loved his home on the Red River and especially planting and growing a huge garden, harvesting the vegetables and with Elsie, making delicious borscht and other Ukrainian dishes. Every fall Bill looked forward to going hunting with his buddies to the Riding Mountains and southeast Manitoba.
It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of our dear husband and father on May 7, 2021.
He leaves behind his wife Elsie and son Shane, his sister Matilda (Bill) and brother Gary.
He was predeceased by his parents Victoria and Metro Lylyk, his two sisters Olga and Mary and many in-laws.
We would like to thank the staff at Riverview Health Centre for their care, compassion and hard work. Special thanks to Nadine, nurses Christina and Edward, and all the others who took great care. A special thank you to Dr. Bishay.
Thank you to Reverend Archpriest Eugene Maximiuk and cantor; pallbearers Vince Patenaud, Elliot Drewniak, Thelma Armstrong and Janet Bjornson.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 10:00 am at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home and Cemetery. Due to COVID restrictions, those who did like to attend virtually may did so by following this link: https://youtu.be/YafsFq0vQPk
Donations in William’s memory may be made to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, 1175 Main St. Winnipeg, MB R2W 3S4 or St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Sundown, Box 24, Sundown, MB R0A 2C0.
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