RANDY RAYMOND BILYK

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RANDY RAYMOND BILYK April 25, 1962 - March 28, 2007 Peacefully, after a lifetime struggle with cystic fibrosis, Randy Bilyk went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, March 28 with his family by his side. Besides his loving wife Carole and dogs, Rugbee and Oliver, Randy leaves to mourn his father Arni (Meg); his brothers, Greg (Coral), Doug (Lisa), Tim (Jill); his mother-in-law Joanne Instance; his brothers-in-law, David Instance, Bruce Instance and Stuart Instance; his nieces and nephews, Derek Instance, Jennifer Instance, Kella Instance, Kayla Bilyk, Darci Instance, Cody Instance, Kenzie Bilyk, Joel Bilyk and Claire Bilyk; and numerous friends and relatives. Randy was predeceased by his mother Margaret Bilyk in 1992, his favourite uncle, Don Ness, in 1994, his father-in-law Fred Instance in 1999, and his beloved first dog, Woody, in 2003. Although Randy struggled with illness most of his life, he was blessed in August 2000 to receive a double lung transplant and blessed again in July 2005 to receive a left lung transplant. A third miracle was not to be in Randy's cards, however, as he died while awaiting a right lung transplant. The family would like to thank all the staff at the Health Sciences Centre involved with the transplant program, especially the gifted surgeon Dr. Unruh, the ever patient and kind Dr. Kepron, and Randy's nurse Anne Szabo. Over the years, the care Randy received was wonderful and very much appreciated. In particular, the family wishes to acknowledge the amazing staff of H6 at the Health Sciences Centre. Although every hospital visit was stressful, the staff on H6 were a joy to be around. In Randy's memory, the family would encourage everyone to consider signing their donor card and talking about organ donation with family. Randy was born and raised in Winnipeg, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Vincent Massey Collegiate. After high school, Randy went to Red River College and received two different diplomas marking two very different career paths. His first career path of fixing computers led to him meeting his future bride, Carole, and his second career path in the field of medical technology enriched his life with many challenges. Randy was a faithful Catholic, attending St. Vital Parish his entire life. Father Patrick Morand was a very important part of Randy's life and the family appreciated the weekly visits from Father Morand. Always an interesting conversation to be had at those visits! A service to celebrate Randy's life will be held on Monday, April 2, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Vital Parish, 1629 Pembina Highway, with Father Morand officiating. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made in Randy's name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Winnipeg Chapter (Box 21008, 33-3900 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3R 3R2) or to St. Vital Parish (1629 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2G6). Rest in peace, my love. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM Family Owned Operated 1531 Pembina Hwy. 284-7500

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 31, 2007