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JOHN WILLIAM BILOWUS Obituary pic

JOHN WILLIAM BILOWUS

Born: Jul 18, 1937

Date of Passing: Feb 14, 2018

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JOHN WILLIAM BILOWUS After a sudden illness, John passed away peacefully on the morning of February 14, 2018. He is survived by his two daughters, Leanna (Robert) Obirek and Lisa (Glenn Oleksuk); grandchildren Andrew and Sophia Obirek; several nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his wife, Agnes, and parents Paul and Anne Bilowus. John was born at his home in Ethelbert on July 18, 1937. He received his elementary education at Haig School in the Garland area. In 1955 he graduated from Dauphin Collegiate and in 1958 from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Teaching was his calling, so he returned to university and obtained a Bachelor of Education degree. From 1961 to 1992 John taught school in the Dauphin-Ochre School Division. In 1963 he married Agnes Dohan of Gilbert Plains, MB. In 1993 they moved to Winnipeg to be close to their girls. Once John became a grandfather, he felt his life was complete. As a younger man, John loved tending the horses and took great interest in the science of bees. When the girls were little, he enjoyed taking them camping and fishing, where he would often play his guitar and harmonica at night. Although he did not like the summer heat, John worked on his garden endlessly. Throughout his life he was an avid reader and a huge sports fan. Above all, John loved choral singing. He was blessed with, as he called it, a "reasonable" tenor voice and sang with the Dauphin Ukrainian Catholic Choir all of the years he lived there. Once in Winnipeg, he sang with the St. Basil's choir and for a short time, the choir at Holy Family. John had helped Agnes through a long and difficult illness with never a complaint. Once she passed, he lost a bit of his spark and after a couple of years, made his move into a retirement community, Southpark Estates. He loved it there and made many friends, very quickly. He was the treasurer of the social committee and he often called bingo and organized group dinners and pancake breakfasts. We would like to thank the staff at the Grace Hospital ER and 3-South for their extensive care and kindness towards Dad in his time of need. Prayer service will be held Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant Ave. in Winnipeg. Divine Liturgy will be officiated by Father John Mostivsky on Monday, February 19, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. also at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of one's choice. We miss you Dad, but we will see you soon. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God. Vichnaya Pamyat

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 17, 2018

Condolences & Memories (16 entries)

  • John & family may be relatives and we all never knew of it. I and family are natives of Buffalo NY and are now residing in VA, USA. If someone of the family would call or write we could exchange information! Thank you! - Posted by: paul bilowus (distant relative) on: Jan 09, 2019

  • So sorry to hear about the sudden passing of your dad. I have wonderful memories of your dad, his kindness, warmth and sense of humor. My father and mother held your dad in high regard and only had good things to say about him. I know you and your families will miss him. Kindest regards Glenda Gandza - Posted by: Glenda Gandza (Neighbor) on: Feb 26, 2018

  • Mr. Bilowus was my favourite teacher. Sorry to hear of his passing. - Posted by: Greg Hollyoake (Student) on: Feb 26, 2018

  • My deepest sympathies to the family. I’m very saddened to here of Mr. Bilowus’ passing. A wonderful teacher and a man who had a lasting effect on my life. I have great respect for him. His passion and dedication and sense of humour was unmatched. He will be missed by all who had the honour of knowing him. Rest In Peace sir. - Posted by: Amos Dowler (Student) on: Feb 21, 2018

  • One of my favorite teachers, I will always remember his corny sense of humor. My sympathies to the family. - Posted by: Art Todosey () on: Feb 19, 2018

  • John and Agnes were our across the street neighbours from 1993 until we moved in 2006. John was a great conversationalist and we chatted a lot. He was the best neighbour, always keeping an eye on the street and helping everyone. It was always a pleasure chatting with him and discussing the topics of the day, our families, faith and everything under the sun. He watched our children grow up and always had a kind word for Corki our dog. It was a pleasure to connect with him each Christmas , even after we moved he kept in contact. Rest In Peace John. We plan to see you again one day. Our condolences to Leanna, Lisa and your families. - Posted by: Cathy and Roland LaFleche (Neighbours ) on: Feb 19, 2018

  • I am so sorry to hear this. Mr. Bilowus was always kind to me and I have many fond memories of both of your parents from my childhood. Much love to all of you during this time. - Posted by: Lori Doan (Kelm) (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2018

  • Best history teacher ever! Funny and kind. - Posted by: Cheryl Geisel (nee Zamrykut) (Student) on: Feb 18, 2018

  • We’re very sad to hear of John’s passing. John and Agnes lived next door to us in Winnipeg. We moved in as a newly married couple starting a family. My first memory of this amazing couple, they brought over a freshly baked apple pie with Weclome spelled out with pastry on the top. John was usually puttering around in his garden. We had countless conversations out on our driveways, we laughed so much, usually from a story or joke, his specialty. He was always there when I got locked out of my house, and with 2 kids in tow it happened a lot! Thank you John, you were a beautiful light in our lives. Our condolences to all John’s family and friends. - Posted by: Yvonne and Moray McLean (Next door neighbour in Winnipeg ) on: Feb 18, 2018

  • Mr. Bilowus was my favorite teacher. He saw more in me than most. He appointed me Assistant Yearbook Editor in Grade 10. And saw more in me than others did in my adolescence. I was Co-editor for the yearbook in Grade 11 and my senior year at the DRCSS. If it wasn't for him..... I would not have the confidence I have today. I will be forever grateful. - Posted by: Deanna Fleury Stevens (Student) on: Feb 17, 2018

  • So sorry to hear this. Mr. Bilowus was one of my favourite teachers. I enjoyed his sense of humour and his wisdom. He was a good man. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: John Finch (Student) on: Feb 17, 2018

  • Mr. Bilowus, my respect for him will not allow me to address him as John, was the most effective teacher I had in high school. You went to class, paid attention, copied his meticulous notes that he dictated and you did well in class. He taught us geography and I still recall and use what I learnt in his class. I employed his teaching methods in my own vocation. Rest in Peace, sir and Godspeed. - Posted by: Tim Urbanovitch (Student ) on: Feb 17, 2018

  • My thoughts and prayers for the family at your fathers passing. He was a great teacher. - Posted by: Diana Simonelli (Michayluk) (Former Teacher) on: Feb 17, 2018

  • So sad to hear- your father was one of my all time favorite teachers. He made History class fun and meaningful. - Posted by: Terri-Anne (Student) on: Feb 17, 2018

  • So very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I remember him as such a jovial guy. Very kind and happy person. I’m sure he will be missed. You are in my thoughts. - Posted by: Kim Shewchuk (nee Cole) (Former student and fellow parishioner) on: Feb 17, 2018

  • My thoughts and prayers are with you both during this time of great sadness. - Posted by: Karen (Student) on: Feb 17, 2018

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