Es war wie immer schön mit Dir zusammen.  Danke nochmals für alles.  Es war ja nicht einfach für Dich, aber Du hast einfach alles grossartig gemacht.  Auch die Beerdigung fand ich sehr würdig und passend für Paul und Du hast einen sehr schönen Lebenslauf zusammengestellt.  Wir hatten eine gute Zeit zusammen und Du hast mir viel Schönes gezeigt.  Ich hoffe, dass Du Deine Bekannten treffen kannst und noch ein bisschen den Sommer geniesst.  Ich denke viel an Dich und Paul.

Ganz liebe Grüsse, Anneli


Liebe Elsbeth
Heute ist die Beerdigung von Paul.  Heute Abend, wenn alles vorbei ist, wirst du wohl die Leere, die er hinterlässt, besonders spüren.  Ich bin sehr froh, Anneli ist bei dir.

Seit meinem Besuch sind kaum drei Wochen vergangen.  Ich erinnere mich häufig daran – und die Begegnungen mit Paul gehören einfach dazu.  Dass er jetzt nicht mehr lebt ist auch für mich so überraschend und irgendwie unfassbar.  Sein Schalk, sein breites Interesse, seine Sprachkenntnisse, wie er bewusst langsam zu mir gesprochen hat - damit ich auch verstehe – aber auch sein Kampf mit all den Widrigkeiten ist mir noch so präsent.  Ich sehe seine Augen vor mir, die doch immer wieder vorwärtsschauten.  

Ihr habt euch über 40 Jahre die Treue gehalten und jetzt musst du deinen Weg alleine gehen.  Wir wünschen dir von Herzen, dass dieser Weg auch farbig wird:  Mit den Farben des Abschieds und der Trauer, dem wehmütigen Rückschauen auf Schönes von einst, aber nach und nach auch mit fröhlichen Farben, dass du in Zukunft dich auch wieder freuen und lachen kannst. 

Ganz liebe Grüsse

Bernhard, Marianne

Paul, you enriched my life in so many ways.
I will never again hear your wonderful voice call my name.
The breakfast you prepared each morning is now prepared by myself.
I am no longer enjoying your wonderful sense of humor.
I am missing your wise counsel and your practical sense.
Your keen eyes noticed everything, to the point that a neighbor once thought you had been working for the KGB.
The handyman is now missing in our house.
Your open heart for the foibles of mankind was invigorating not just to me but also to our friends. 

I miss you. Your neighbors and friends are missing you. Family members far away are all missing you. I wish you peace and happiness and hope that you are meeting all the families and friends that departed from this world before you.

Good-bye my love.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

August 3, 1942 – June 30, 2018

Paul was borne in Czechoslovakia in 1942. In 1945, the country fell behind the Iron Curtain, and became a satellite state of the Soviet Union.  In 1948, all property in Czechoslovakia was nationalized. His Father’s hardware store was seized by the state. The currency was changed, all citizens lost their savings and became all together equally poor. They were forced to work for the state for a small salary. Paul hated this system which was built on deception, lies and spying on your neighbors.  He served in the Military for 2 years. He studied International Affairs, Trade and languages. The Communist Government assigned him a job of Interpreter in India where he stayed for 3 years. For the first time he got hold of Western Magazines such as Time and Life. The thought of leaving his native country was borne in India. 
With 28 years of age, he fled from Czechoslovakia together with a friend and emigrated to Canada, with a 1-year stay in Paris while waiting for the Canada Government to accept his application in 1970. He settled first in Winnipeg, studied and received a Diploma for Business Teacher Education in 1971 and taught for several years at a High School.

In 1974 he obtained the Bachelor of Pedagogy from the University of Manitoba.  Two years later he moved to Montreal, following some friends who all escaped the cold temperatures in Winnipeg. 

Paul met his future wife Elisabeth in a French course. They married on October 29, 1977 in the small chapel of the St. Patrick’s cathedral in Montreal.
Paul went into business together with a friend, producing cross country bindings and skis in a factory in Granby. Unfortunately, after several years, this business finally was unsuccessful. Paul went through some hard times in the following years battling depression.  He eventually found another job in the hotel service industry, as supervisor in a hotel parking garage. His gift for languages and for connecting with people came in handy and was much appreciated.  He enjoyed this job for many years until the hotel replaced him with a machine, and Paul became a retired person.

For the last 2 ½ years of his life, health problems started accumulating:  In December 2015, a pierced colon during a colonoscopy brought him close to death.  He never fully recovered from this ordeal.  Last December the doctors suspected lung cancer which could not be treated in time due to other emerging and urgent health problems:  In April his left foot was amputated.  Paul trained with courage and determination the use of a prosthesis.  During these last months of his life cancer progressed much faster than anybody suspected.  On June 27th he was brought to the hospital, received palliative care, and 3 days later he died.  

Paul had a wonderful ability to connect with people. With his keen sense of observation, he  detected fast the country of origin of strangers he met.  Within a few minutes he got them to opening up and talk about themselves.  He spoke Czech, Russian, Polish, English, French and Spanish.  

Paul had several passions : he loved cooking (much enjoyed by his wife) and eating too. He always was a grateful eater at the table.  He enjoyed meals from other cultures and countries. He was interested in world events and politics, was very well informed about what was happening in the World. He loved gardening. On the small patio behind the house, he installed an intricate container garden with vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, cucumbers and peppers. He loved camping and introduced Elisabeth to this wonderful way of spending week-ends or holidays. They discovered the Lake Champlain region while camping. The same way they travelled through the Provinces in the Maritimes. He loved travelling. They spent many vacations in Florida, Cuba, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

CAROLE DUMAS

Dear Elisabeth,

We are so sorry for your loss.    Please accept our deepest sympathy as you remember Paul.
 Carole




 
***************







SYLVAIN S. BELLEAU

Hi Elisabeth, I am very sorry to hear this sad news. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Wishing well of you in this time of loss.  
Sylvain
Coordonnateur des installations critiques CBRE Limitée 

*****************


PETER LUBENSKYI

Elisabeth, beautiful eulogy ...... very sad that this precious part of your life has ended . You will never forget and always miss what you and Paul had together.  Nevertheless, you have at least one other healthy and happy chapter to make the best of in your life. Make it another beautiful one.  Let me know when you and other IBM/CBRE friends may get together for a lunch or dinner and I won't miss the chance to join you. 
All the best, Peter 

MY AHMED A ASSOUSSI

Hello Elizabeth, I'm greatly saddened to learn of the passing of your husband and I send you my most sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you and I'm sure you will overcome this difficult moments by dint of your strength. Please do to hesitate to contact me if you need any help.
 Regards
 My Ahmed Assoussi.
Ing,P-Eng.Electrical Engineer

*******




MARCO PACITTI


Hello Elizabeth,
 
I am really saddened and rather shocked to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you. Please stay strong as I know you to be. Thank you very much for reaching out and the information below.
 
Your friend,
Marco





**********



STEPHANE BIRON

Dear Elizabeth,  I am wishing you lots of peace for the passing of your humble husband.   I just hope that his last moments were moments of deliverance and freedom.    I am sending you comfort, reliance, strength and mostly peacefulness.  Another new life is opening up to you, take it with open arms and live it all.  
Sincerely yours,
Stéphane

Carolle Turgeon

Chère, très chère Élisabeth !
Difficile de trouver les mots dans de tels moments. Les mots sont bien utiles souvent...  mais parfois, ils nous font défaut.

Tu te retrouves à la veille d'une autre étape significative... Je ne serai pas là demain (vendredi, 6 juin), entre 2 et 5 heures mais je serai ici, pensant à toi, et à la grande tristesse qui t'habite.

Bien sûr, on peut dire que tu as été privilégiée de vivre cette belle relation qui a animé vos vies pendant de nombreuses années, dire que your beloved husband demeure, comme un trésor bien gardé, dans le meilleur endroit qui soit ...  dans ton coeur.
Mais la perte ...  la séparation ...  comme c'est difficile.

Je t'offre mes condoléances les plus sincères, Élisabeth. Malheureusement, je ne peux faire davantage.

On se sent bien impuissant devant le chagrin d'un ami. Brel l'a bien dit ...  "mais ...  voir un ami pleurer ..."

Je te souhaite de vivre cette période selon ton désir. Comme il te convient de le faire. À ton rythme. Que dire de plus sinon ...
porte-toi bien ...  malgré les circonstances.

Je pense à toi.  
Je suis avec toi.
À plus tard, mon amie.
Je t'embrasse.
Carolle


LISE SIROIS

Elisabeth, 
very sad that you have lost your best friend.  I will be there on Friday.  I really appreciate that you have informed me, thank you.
Lise

*********************

BENOIT DULUDE

Bonjour, Ce matin, je viens d'apprendre la triste nouvelle puisque je suis de retour des vacances.  Je vous offre mes sympathies à vous et tous les membres de votre famille.  Que ces quelques mots vous apportent réconfort et soutien pour la perte de cet être cher. 
Bien à vous   Benoit Dulude Eastern Ca, Data Center Site Manager RESO Ca, IT Senior Technical Leader


*********************

SYLVAIN BLANCHARD

Elizabeth,

C'est avec tristesse que j'ai appris la nouvelle du décès de votre époux.  Veuillez accepter toutes mes condoléances lors de cette difficile épreuve.


Dear  Elizabeth ,
My sincere condoleances , it 's a difficult time, I am with you with all my heart. I am leaving tomorrow for New - York ,we have a family event to remember my mother and my sister. I know what it is when we loose a loved one. I come back to Montreal on July 15, I will call you when I come back.

The love of your family and friends will help you in this moments 

May your husband rest in peace .

Warm regards 

Michèle Vincent Félix 
 

********

Hi Elisabeth,

I am very sorry for your loss and am sending you my sincerest condolences.

I know we barely know each other but if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.

Sarah

********

•	Please accept my condolences, Elisabeth
•	Just know that I am here for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out, especially during this difficult time.
•	Warm regards
Jorge Castelnuovo, B.Sc./ PMP

**********



Dear Elisabeth, 
Francine and I are extremely sorry to hear this news. Our  thoughts are with you . 

Warm regards, and please take care of yourself. 

Bob & Francine


TOASTMASTER CONDOLENCES


Dear Elisabeth,
Please accept our humble and deepest condolences for the loss of your husband Paul.
Our hearts are saddened, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult moment in 
your life. May you be surrounded and comforted by the love of all those around you.

May the Supreme be your peace, love and guiding light now and always.

Nelly and Rebecca.🙏💗

********

Hi Elisabeth
What a shock and such bad news.
Darlene and I offer our deepest sympathy.
We will do our best to pay our respects.
We are really so sorry for your loss.
Darlene and Joe

Joe Timmons

********


Hello Elisabeth,
Sad new bad new. Be strong.
We pray for you.

Sidi Ouattara

********




My most sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you.

Nathalie Moreno

********


My condolences goes to you Elisabeth
Claude Ramampiarison



Liebe Elsbeth,
In Gedanken bin ich bei Euch, wenn heute Dein Ehemann Paul zu Grabe getragen wird.
Zum Abschied und zum schmerzlichen Verlust von Paul entbiete ich mein aufrichtiges Beileid.  Er wurde nun von seinen Schmerzen befreit und durfte einschlafen.
Viele schöne Erinnerungen geben Dir Trost und Kraft in der kommenden schweren Zeit.

Mit stillem Gruss
Margrit Maurer
Liebe Grüsse auch an Anni 

MONIKA GANZ
Liebe Elsbeth
Mein herzliches Beileid.
Ich wünsche dir viel Kraft und Zuversicht in dieser schweren Zeit.
In stiller Anteilnahme 

Liebe Grüsse
Monika


Liebe Elsbeth,
Mit grosser Betroffenheit haben wir von Paul's Tod erfahren.
Wir möchten Dir unser herzliches Beileid aussprechen und wünschen dir für die kommende Zeit viel Kraft.  Mögen dir schöne Erinnerungen Trost in dieser schweren Zeit spenden.
Unser tiefes Mitgefühl,
Roger + Sara, Alva + Nevio



Liebe Elsbeth,
Du bist mitten in einem sehr schweren Abschied.  Nach vielen Jahren Gemeinsamkeit ist es für Dich sicher fast nicht vorstellbar, nie mehr eine Antwort oder auch nur ein kleines Nicken Deines Partners zu erhalten.
Elsbeth ich wünsche Dir viel Zuversicht und Kraft für die kommende Zeit und bin froh dass Anneli zu Dir kommt und Du in den naechsten Tagen nicht ganz allein im Hause bist.  Lass Dir Zeit und gib Dir den Glauben, dass Du es sicher schaffen wirst, Dir das Leben neu zu gestalten. 
Mit lieben Grüssen auch an Anneli
Auch vom Anneli aber aus Dietlikon

IRENE BANDELIER
Hi Elsbeth,  I hope you are ok and I just want to let you know what a nice visitation it was on Friday. I am glad I stayed to hear your presentation. I don’t know where you took the strength and courage to do all this… I don’t think I could have. It looks like you have a great support group with your Toast Master friends. And I am so glad your sister is with you. I am looking forward to meet both of you again.   Take it easy and have a good day! It’s beautiful… I am out for my walk 🚶♀️  Hope to see you soon! Irene

SIMONE BANDELIER
I’m thinking of you.
 
I can only imagine what kind of extraordinary adjustment it is to lose someone close to you. They don’t call it the “cycle” of grief for nothing…  many ups and downs ahead, some predictable and others come as total surprises - I am glad your sister is with you to help navigate what the new normal is supposed to be.
 
Soon, your memories will make you smile.
 
Courage and lots of love,
 
Simone


NORMA FOX
Hello Elspeth
 
I was very sorry to hear about Paul’s’ passing.  Irene called to let me know.  I saw his photo in the obituary.  He still looked very much how I remembered him.  Please accept my condolences. 
 
Irene mentioned that you have your sister with you.  I’m glad that you have family to be with you at this time.   
 
Take care and know that I’m thinking about you.  I really enjoyed our visit at Simone's last Christmas.  Hopefully we’ll get together again.
 
Norma



SABINE BROENNIMANN
Liebi, allerliebschti Elsbeth!
Hüt isch Din trurige Brief cho, danke für das schöne Zeiche mit em Paul im Wald, das isch e Superfoti!
Hoffentlich bisch Du no am tüüfe schlafe, bi öis isch scho Mittag gsi! Ich wünsche öi e gueti Wuche und viiiel Zit zum Gedanke ordne und zum truure! I mine Gedanke bini ganz fescht bi öi und möcht sehr gern echli vo dere schwere Lascht mittrage, obschon ich halt i km gmässe, sehr wit wäg bin vo Brossard!!
Ganz liebi Grüess us Watt vo Dim alte Sämeli
- - - - - - - - - - - - 
Sabine Brönnimann

DANIELA BRUHLMANN
Liebe Elsbeth,

Seit Sabine mich über Paul's Hinschied informiert hat, werden in mir wieder Erinnerungen wach.

Erst war ich entsetzt, dann sehr traurig, machmal hatte ich eine Stinkwut, weil mich mein Mann mich und Audrey alleine gelassen hatte. Ich war froh für ihn, dass er nicht mehr leiden musste, fragte mich jedoch, wie es nun weiter gehen solle ...
Ich habe sehr lange gebraucht, bis ich mir wieder erlaubte, mich an Etwas zu freuen. Ich hatte oft ein schlechtes Gewissen, da ich nicht mehr teilen konnte, sowohl Leid wie auch schöne Erlebnisse ,,,,, 

Ich hoffe, es geht Dir wie mir - nach und nach sind die Nachbarn und Freunde auf mich zugekommen, ich habe Hilfsangebote von überall erhalten, Einladungen, Mitgefühl, Verständnis und auch Ablenkung. 
Man hat mich nicht bedrängt, mich aber wissen lassen, dass man da sei, wenn ich es wünsche. 

Ich habe gelernt, meine Trauer zu leben, mir Zeit zu nehmen, an mich zu denken. Gut, ich hatte immer meine Tochter zur Seite, wir haben uns gemeinsam gestützt. Ich habe auch gelernt, um Hilfe zu fragen, nicht immer alles alleine erledigen zu müssen.
Elsbeth, nimm Dir die Zeit, die Du brauchst - es gibt keine Gebrauchsanweisung. Du darfst auch Nein sagen, wenn Dir jemand zu nahe tritt. Vielleicht schreibst Du ein Tagebuch - das habe ich oft getan.

Ich bin in Gedanken bei Dir und Annni und wünsche Euch beiden von Herzen alles Liebe.
Daniela

Dear Elizabeth,
I still feel upset and very sad at the news that reached me today. Especially as nothing brought up in our various conversations with Paul over the recent past carried the slightest indication of how serious his condition in reality was and how close he in fact was to his demise – so sudden in my eyes and premature in fact. Yes, I was aware of all the setbacks his health kept putting before him over the last years but never would I have accepted the prospect of losing him this fast. He was a gem of a friend and as long as I live I will keep the memory of his fine nature among those closest to my heart. Once again, I cannot find the proper words in English to express how much sorry I feel for Paul and yourself just as well. From what I could sense out listening to Paul, you made a fine couple and he always had the best words making reference to yourself. I am sure he will be missed by many. Oh, and thanks a lot for what I regard as a „farewell photo“ showing Paul with his typical face expression to be remembered.
Josef

Dear Elizabeth,
 I read through the contents of Paul´s Eulogy feeling not only deeply moved but also realizing that there was a lot I never knew about his life story. It sure sounds unbelievable to be put before the sad fact once again of how fast life changes and we suddenly feel that emptiness dominating spaces where what seems only a while ago the presence of good life companion brighten up your days.  In your specific case as I understand from your lines, Paul seems to have meant a real lot as your heart-moving confessions reveal.Thanks so much for the fine styling of the document providing an insight into what is presented as a loving memory of your years with dear Paul.  To cherish these memories will definitely help you keep facing what lies ahead. 
Sincerely,
Josef


OBITUARIO

Paul A. Bily

3 agosto, 1942 – 30 junio, 2018

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