Obituary of Ann Bilyk

Ann Bilyk was born in Tarnopol, SK. to Alex and Lena Pipchuk. She worked on the farm with her dad and older brother as a farm hand, helping in the fields and doing daily chores. She left the farm at the age of 17 and enrolled in Business College in Prince Albert. After Business College, she worked for Prince Albert City Hall as a clerk. She moved to Edmonton and worked for the lab at the University Hospital. On one of her vacations, she took a trip to Waskesiu. While walking by a duplex construction site, this carpenter started whistling at her from the second floor. He lost his footing and balance, did a flip, and landed on his feet in front of her. He then said, “How you doin?” this must have impressed her, because within a year, On October 16, 1955 she married the man of her dreams... Nick. They moved to Red Wing and she became a full time homemaker, taking care of their four boys, while Nick supported the family working on construction projects. They moved to Shellbrook in 1964 and had their last son, Patrick. Ann joined the Anglican Church Women’s Group and helped out with whatever was required. She loved the outdoors. Ann was either gardening, tending to her flowers, golfing or fishing with the family. She was a perfectionist and had a very competitive nature. Her passion for gardening was evident and she received many horticultural awards. The biggest challenge for Ann was raising five scrapping young boys. When she couldn’t take it anymore, she would say, “Wait till Dad gets home!”. With her competitive spirit, golf was a natural for her. In her prime, she played in most ladies’ championship flights, and won many a tournament around the area. After their accident in 1981, the doctors said it would be impossible for her to golf again. Nick did figure out a way to modify a set of golf clubs to enable her to golf again. In the winter months, she enjoyed curling with a modified broom and played in many bonspiels. Before and after the accident, she also loved snowmobiling. As a family, a lot of time was spent enjoying the trails and having wiener roasts. Ann was a great cook, and taught all of her boys how to cook, can, pickle, and gave them all her great Ukrainian recipes that they all prepare to this day. Let us all remember the love that she freely gave and celebrate her life and all the good times. Ann leaves to cherish her memory; Her loving husband of 57 years, Nick Bilyk of Shellbrook, SK., Her children; Terry (Carol) Bilyk of Holbein, SK., Ben (Ingrid) Bilyk of Bruderheim, AB., Donald (Janis) Bilyk of Lloydminster, SK., David (Hallie) Bilyk of Gravenhurst, ON., Patrick (Donna) Bilyk of Lethbridge, AB., 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, A brother, George (Wanda) Pipchuk of Yellow Creek, SK., A sister, Helen Bellerose of St. Catherines, ON., A sister, Iris Calder of Edmonton, AB., A brother, Peter (Marion) Pipchuk of Calgary, AB. as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Ann was predeceased by; her parents, Alex and Lena Pipchuk, a daughter-in-law, Kathy Bilyk, brothers-in-law, Gee Bellerose and Neil Calder. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Andrew’s Anglican Church with Father Stephen Harnish as Officiant. The Eulogist was Ben Bilyk. The Organist was Linda Bator. The Soloist was Albert Hannigan. Shellbrook Community Choir led the hymns. The Pallbearers were; The Grandchildren. Memorial Donations in memory of Ann may be made to the Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Project. Interment will be at a later date. E mailed condolences to beau.lacsb@sasktel.net will be forwarded to the family. Beau “Lac” Funeral Home was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.