Edward Bilyk

Dad is survived by sons David, (Colleen, Christopher, Katelyn) and John. He is also survived by his younger brother Ernie Bilyk (Bea).

He is predeceased by his sisters Minnie Rybchynski (Ted) 2000, Irene Wasalyk (Tarus) 2017 and Elizabeth (Karpo) Gabruch 2018.

Dad was born on November 28, 1933, on the steps of the Wakaw Hospital in Saskatchewan.

Dad grew up on the family farm near Batoche and attended Gabriel School.

Dad was married on July 18, 1959, to Elizabeth (Betty). Dad was farming, working in the Bessborough Hotel and had 2 sons.

Dad (we) moved to St. John’s Newfoundland in 1971. From there we moved to Winnipeg where dad was the Catering Manager at the Hotel Fort Garry.

Dad moved to the Winnipeg Convention Centre and worked there until he retired. Dad had some cool experiences. He personally served HRH Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1982 and managed a service of 4,800 people for a sit-down dinner for Canadian War Time Veterans. For the latter, dad would canvass the school to get staff for these large one-day events. It seemed most of the kids on our street were hired by him at one time or another. Dad ensured we both had a work ethic.

Dad was also a volunteer and coached us in baseball (which he used to play) and soccer (which he knew nothing about). Dad would work a split shift, taking the bus home in the afternoon, and holding practice at Westmount field or Winakwa in his suit and dress shoes. We would then walk home to our home on Penrose.

Dad was a family man in his own way. He worked hard to ensure our lives were going to be easier than his. We always had enough, but it was rare to have new things. He gave the gift that we appreciate, family and to respect people. Your handshake was a bond.

Dad and mom would host dinners that were almost unbelievable. If a dessert didn’t flambe, why make it? Serving plates had to be hot. Salad plates cool to the touch, shellfish served in the shell, we didn’t know croutons could be bought. Mom and dad always made them. We learned that there were different glasses for white wine, red wine and water. We thought that all people had Chateaubriand when their friends came over. We were lucky that dad and mom taught us to cook.

Family trips to Saskatchewan to see family, work on the farm or a week at Chitek Lake were a norm for us. Singing church songs in the back seat (no seat belts!), reading comic books, license plate bingo or identifying crops in the field, these were true 1970’s road trips.

Going to the family farm was a highlight for us boys. On occasion, dads’ younger brother Uncle Ernie would come out. These were times that shape young men. Working the fields, cutting grass, staking fence posts, some target shooting, open fire hot dogs and solar baths in a metal tub left in the sun to heat up. There was no electricity on the farm. It was special when Guido came out. Dad would be the interpreter as Guidos’ english was hard to understand. Guido would alternate between being proud of us grandkids or roll his eyes as the city boys couldn’t figure things out. “Dave shot the combine” was not the words a Guido wants to hear.

Dad did his best to let us see part of the world at a young age. Family trips to Disneyland (stay with family, John goes missing twice!) and Hawaii were highlights. Driving to Cranbrook and then to Vancouver Island, stopping at all those wild side show slides and rides along the way.

As time changes, dad transitioned from dominating dad to accepting dad. Mom got a great job with the then Premier of Manitoba, John went to Alberta for some schooling and Dave spent some time travelling the world. John got his degree, Dave got married.

In 1995 was a low point for us. Mom passed away and dad felt lost. They had been partners for 37 years. Dad moved to Saskatoon and resided in Legion Manor. Like the outgoing person he was, he knew pretty much everybody in the building. He loved our visits and especially when his grandkids, Chris and Katelyn would come out to see him. John spent lots of time driving out to see dad.

In 2020 we moved dad to Winnipeg where he was with family. Part of his legacy is passing that family connection to his grandkids. With the kids having cars, and Colleen and I on shift work and John being self employed, dad received lots of visits.

Dad was a person who was smarter as we got older. He could do auto repairs, build a deck, put in a basement and build a shed, all without plans. It was his method of connecting with people that made him stand out. In our generation, when we run into people who knew dad, they never had a bad word to say about him. He was known as being a good man.

We would like to thank all the people who visited, called or sent a card.

There will be a private graveside internment on Friday August 23, 2024, 2:00 pm at Green Acres on Hwy # 1 just east of Winnipeg beside mom.