John Bilowus

Loving husband of Olga (predeceased) and father of Mary (Gord). Son of the late John and Justine Bilowus. Brother of Anne Dolchewski and brother-in-law Al (both deceased), Angela Behun and brother-in-law Paul (both deceased), Olga Krawec and brother-in-law Roman (deceased) and Sonia Hucal and brother-in-law Slawko (deceased). Brother-in-law to Bohdan (deceased) and Walter Wolansky and Trudy. Godfather to Peter Hucal and Krystine Evanochko. John is survived by several nieces, nephews, family and friends who will miss his stories and humour (“Nice working old kid!”)

John was born on July 1, 1940 in Sudbury, Ontario. As a youth, John was actively involved in the Ukrainian community and St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Sudbury. After marrying his wife Olga, the two moved to Burlington, Ontario where John joined and worked for BOT Construction Limited. John served as Vice President of Finance and worked for the construction company for over 40 years.

In his spare time John was an active member of the Ukrainian National Federation -Hamilton Branch where he served for over 30 years as treasurer. When Olga and John enrolled their daughter in Jr. Chaika, it was not long afterwards that John became involved in its executive committee. John served as Chairman of Jr. Chaika for over twenty years. Part of that commitment was helping to oversee Jr. Chaika’s major fundraiser – Bingo, which took place on Sunday nights. John was proud of Jr. Chaika and whenever and wherever the dancers and choir would perform, John’s famous line “What a Chaika” could be heard over the crowd. John also served many years as a board member of the former United Ukrainian Credit Union and present day Ukrainian Credit Union- Hamilton branch. John was a longstanding member of the Knights of Columbus Father M. Shashkevych Council 7464 and member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church.

John enjoyed travelling with his family and with his second family “Chaika”, gardening, playing cards (Euchre) and golf with family and friends, and playing softball in his earlier years.

Special thank you to the staff at St. Joseph Hospital for their care in John’s last few days.

Visitation at MARKEY DERMODY FUNERAL HOME, 1774 King Street East (at Kenilworth) on Thursday, October 31, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm with Panachyda at 8 pm. Funeral Service at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 260 Melvin Avenue, on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11 am. Interment Our Lady of the Angels Cemetery. Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Junior Chaika.