It is with deep sadness that we announce Uncle Dave (U.D.) passed away on July 21, 2020. He joins his wife and best friend Jeanne (A.J.) who predeceased him in 2013.
Uncle Dave is survived by his sister June Yates (Dennis, deceased) of Victoria BC, and sister-in-law Kathy Bilinski (John, deceased) of Coquitlam, BC. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews and their children- David Yates (Debbie), David and James; Ian Yates, all of Victoria, BC; Andy Bilinski (Emma), Hannah and Marshall of Abbotsford, BC; Jeanne Lushaw (Murray), Tanner, Connor and Miranda of Winnipeg; Darren Bilinski of Yellowknife, NT; and Jody Hesse (Brad), Marian, Alice and Charlie, of Coquitlam, BC.
Uncle Dave was born in Winnipeg, to David and Ada (nee Wood) Bears. He was raised and educated in Brandon. He had a long career in sales, sales management and general management with the Scott Fruit Co., North American Life, Sherwin Williams Paints, and Zenith Radio and TV. This required living in many cities over the years, including Saskatoon, Montreal, Toronto, Moncton, and back to Winnipeg where he resided until his passing. While his work required him to travel all over Canada and the US, he and Aunt Jeanne also travelled frequently for pleasure. Both agreed the best part of any trip was coming home to family and friends, the house and the garden. After a brief stint of retirement, the urge to work returned, and he worked with Martin Buchwald in the Personnel Training Field, Priority Management. After a number of years, he retired for good.
Uncle Dave belonged to a number of service clubs over the years, the longest being the United Commercial Travellers – a life member. He also belonged to the North West Commercial Travellers for more than 60 years, and was on their board for over 25 years.
Uncle Dave was ‘Uncle Dave” or UD” to more than just his nieces and nephews. He made a positive impact on so many people who met and knew him. He was a huge part of any family celebration on the Bilinski side of the family, and we will miss him dearly. He was part of a wonderful group of people in his neighbourhood before moving to Seine River Retirement Residence earlier this year, and loved having the neighborhood kids over for a swim. He also looked forward to his outings to “the picture show” and Mary Brown’s lunches with his neighbour and good friend Lauri.
We would like to send a special thank you to Lisa at Seine River Retirement Residence. You made him feel so welcome in his new home. He looked forward to all your chats, and we would hear about them for days afterwards.
Cremation has taken place. Due to the pandemic and current restrictions, there will be a small Celebration of Life at a later date, by invitation only. Interment of Uncle Dave and Aunt Jeanne’s ashes will take place during a private family ceremony in Brandon.
No flowers please. If you wish, a donation to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice may be made.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Thank you, U.D., for a lifetime of precious memories. We love you.
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