Nick Bilyk

Nick Bilyk

Sadly, on Saturday, May 18, 2019, Nick Bilyk, late of Shellbrook, SK, passed away at the age of 89 years.

Nick was the youngest in the family of 13, born March 12, 1930 in Canora, SK. He was very strong willed and mischievous, but very intelligent. He left home at the age of 14 and worked at many jobs. He then moved to Prince Albert, SK, and got a job building homes. He loved carpentry and was very good at it. Nick worked for Eskes Construction of Prince Albert for 11 years as a foreman. During this time, he also took a structural Engineering Course and received his diploma in 1952. He met Ann Pipchuk while he was working on a job in Waskesiu, SK, and they got married that same year in 1955 and made their home just outside of Prince Albert, SK, in Red Wing District.

In 1960 Nick started his own construction company and contracted buildings for the Beaver Lumber Company. In 1964 they moved to Shellbrook, SK, and built a home and business there. He built many residential and commercial buildings in the surrounding area, one of them being the Shellbrook Arena. In 1968 he took on a Polaris Dealership, as the boys loved snowmobiling and wanted to learn how to repair them. He also had the family involved at the Shellbrook Golf Course doing maintenance work and running the Pro Shop.

In 1981 Nick and Ann were involved in a serious accident while at a golf Tournament in Nipawin, SK. When Ann finally came out of the hospital, she needed to be cared for, so Nick retired from contracting and worked at the Golf Course as Superintendent. Ann’s love for golf motivated Nick to modify a set of golf clubs that she could use that suited her disability. They both enjoyed curling in the winter months.

When the love of his life passed away in 2013, Nick moved into a Senior’s Centre in Shellbrook. He was very active in the community with church functions, and he participated in fundraising for the golf course, seniors’ home, hospital and Ministerial Association and many other organizations. Nick spent many weekends fishing at Cowan Lake with his sons and their families enjoying quality time together. Nick’s love for gardening continued even at the Seniors Centre where he managed to plant a small garden around the edge of the building. Nick also loved playing cards with the seniors where he spent his last hours.

Nick leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Terry (Carol) Bilyk of Holbein, SK; Ben (Ingrid) Bilyk of Bruderheim, AB; Donald (Janis) Bilyk of Lloydminister, SK; David (Hallie) Bilyk of Gravenhurst, Ont; Patrick (Donna) Bilyk of Lethbridge, AB; and 16 Grandchildren, and numerous Great Grandchildren. Nick is predeceased by his wife, Ann Bilyk in 2013; his daughter in-law, Cathy Bilyk; his parents Dmetro & Polly Bilyk; and his 13 brothers & sisters.

In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Nick to the Shellbrook & Districts Health Services Foundation – Long Term Care. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart, Funeral Director, Shellbrook 306-747-2828.