Obituary of Gregory BILYK

GREGORY (HRYHORIJ - HARRY) BILYK A varied and colourful 88 year history ended peacefully with the passing of Harry February 24, 2011 at Seven Oaks Hospital. Harry was predeceased by his father, John; mother, Paulina; and sister, Irena. He is survived by and will be fondly remembered by his brothers; Ken (Susan) and John (Tracey), nephew Greg, and his cherished friend Lorraine Scott. Harry was born August 2, 1922 in Berezhany, Ukraine. He served as a medic with the Russian forces in World War II. After the war he worked for the Red Cross in both Germany and Belgium. With the help of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Red Cross he was reunited with his father in Winnipeg in 1951. He was a proud member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 141. Harry was a respiratory technologist. He retained associate membership in the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists and the Manitoba Association for Respiratory Technology Inc. He worked briefly at the Winnipeg General Hospital before accepting a position at the Kenora General Hospital. Harry was loaned to the Neepawa Hospital for one year. That one year ended after a 38 year career in Neepawa. After retiring he relocated to Winnipeg. Harry was an excellent dancer. To augment his income when he first arrived in Winnipeg he worked as an instructor at the Arthur Murray School of Dance. He loved attending dances. He outlasted his partners and danced many a lady to her knees. Even in his final days he was talking about going dancing with Lorraine as soon as he felt well enough. Rev. Father Isidore Dziadyk, OSBM will officiate at a celebration of Harry's life on Wednesday, March 2, 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg. A private family interment will take place at a later date. The family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care Harry received at the Seven Oaks Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Seven Oaks Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice.