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Lena Biblow
Mrs. Lena Biblow, longtime Yorkton resident, widow of Mike J. Biblow, formerly of the Springside district, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. She was 86 years of age. Lena Biblow was born on February 1, 1917 in the Springside district of Saskatchewan; the first child born to Mike and Mary (nee Popowich) Pawliw. She was raised on the family farm and attended North Lake School. On July 15, 1937 Lena was united in marriage to Mike J. Biblow at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton. The couple worked side by side on their farm north of Springside, then moving north-east of Springside in 1957, and to Yorkton in 1974. The couple took great pride in family, and their door was always open to guests. Lena will be remembered for her warm smile and engaging personality. She was a genuine, caring person guided by her faith. She took great pride in the comfort of her home and garden. Following the death of Mike on May 31, 1981, Lena continued to reside and care for herself in her own home. She took great pride in maintaining her independence and only recently had been hospitalized.
Besides her husband, she was predeceased by an infant daughter Adeline in 1941, sisters Annie Hnidey, Maggie Malinowski, Katherine Bednas and Sophie Pawliw. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter and three sons; Olga and her husband Stephen Shumay of Yorkton; Dennis and his wife Lorraine of Regina; Emil and his wife Sonya of Springside; and Ivan and his wife Evelyn of Regina; 14 grandchildren, Donna, Leslie, Darlene and Darcy: Richard, Carla, Kevin, Sheri and Colin; Lynel, Lori and Michael; Michelle and Shannon; 16 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; one brother, Bill (Olga) Pawliw of Theodore, four sisters, Nettie (John) Kerelchuk of Theodore, Olga (Victor) Karasiuk of Winnipeg, Delores Pawliw of Vancouver, and Adeline Lahoda of Calgary; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and her many other relatives and friends.
Prayer services were held on Friday, April 25, 2003 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home in Yorkton. The Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Saturday, April 26, 2003 from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Rev. Father Oleh Kashuba, C.Ss.R. was the celebrant. Members of St. Mary's Funeral Choir led in the singing of the responses. The crossbearer was Michelle Terry. The Interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Colin, Kevin, Michael and Richard Biblow and Darcy and Leslie Shumay serving as the casketbearers. Son Dennis gave a tribute and words of thanks on behalf of the family at the memorial luncheon. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
Mrs. Helen Bidnock
BIDNOCK - Mrs. Helen Bidnock, beloved wife of Mike Bidnock went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 22, 2004 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre with her family at her side. Helen Bidnock (Belious) was born on May 21, 1921 in Canora Saskatchewan; a daughter of Bill and Rose (Gorcha) Belious. Helen attended school in Canora, Saskatchewan. On May 21, 1960 Helen was united in marriage to Mike Bidnock at Windsor, Ontario. The couple moved back to Halifax where Mike was in the Navy. Later on the couple moved to Yorkton, Saskatchewan in 1967, where they resided until moving to Victoria Court, October 30, 2001. During Helen's lifetime, she was a homemaker, enjoyed gardening, looking after her flowerbeds, bowling, and dancing with her husband. She also will be remembered playing cards with close friends.
Helen was predeceased by her mother and father. She leaves to mourn her beloved husband Mike, and numerous cousins.
Prayer services were held on Sunday, January 25th at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. The funeral service was held on Monday, January 26th from the Family Centre at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Rev. Fr. Richard Ehrmantraut officiating. The cantor, Mike Sitko and members of the Parish Choir led in the singing of the responses. The cross bearer was Ernie Yanish. The Interment followed in the Garden of Crucifixion at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Tom Stachura, Dayle Nielsen, Lawrence Litzenberger, Darcy Matisho, Ron Sliva and Dean Sliva serving as the casket bearers.
Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
Annie Biliak
Annie Biliak of Yorkton passed away following a short hospitalization at the Saskatoon City Hospital on Saturday, March 3, 2002. She was 90 years of age. Annie Biliak was born on December 22, 1911 in the Insinger district of Saskatchewan; a daughter of Oksana (nee Rebko) and Andrew Biliak. She was raised on the family farm in the Insinger district and attended the Aysgarth School. Following her education Annie began working out but still lived at home, caring for her father and brother Bill. After the death of Andrew in 1979, Annie and Bill moved to Foam Lake in 1981 and resided there until 1988, when they moved to Yorkton where they had since resided. Annie was the main care-giver to her whole family and took great pride in their well-being. She was a hard working individual who provided for the needs of her family. She loved children, especially her nieces and nephews. Annie also enjoyed caring for the many cats and dogs that were a part of her life over the years. She enjoyed good health most of her life but had experienced problems in later years.
She was predeceased by her mother Oksana in 1941, her father Andrew in 1979, brothers John in infancy in 1920 and Ernest Johnson in 1995; and by sisters Mary in 1943, Dora in 1973 and Kay in 1996. She leaves to mourn her passing two brothers, Bill Biliak of Yorkton and Al Biliak of Yorkton; two sisters, Nellie Boychuk of Yorkton and Victoria (Steve) Pacholko of Regina; nieces and nephews Garry & Lucy Biliak of Regina, Curtis & Peggy Biliak of Saskatoon, Howard Biliak of Toronto, Leanne & Steve Dunn of Calgary, and Stuart Pacholko of Regina and their families.
The funeral service was held on Thursday, March 7, 2002 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home in Yorkton with Mr. Eugene Mellish of the Maple Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses officiating. The Interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Rodney Denesik, Randy Prokopchuk, Howard Biliak, Gerry Biliak, Al Stoski and Stuart Pacholko serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements are in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
George Billy
Mr. George Billy of Yorkton, formerly of Canora, beloved husband of Jean passed away at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon on Sunday, April 15, 2001 at the age of 75 years, 11 months, 17 days of age. George was born on April 29, 1925 to Metro and Helen Billy. He received his education at Donwell and West Wexford Schools. In the spring of 1944 George commenced employment with Canada Car and Foundry in Fort William, ON (Thunder Bay) working in the aviation department until the war ended. In 1949 he returned to Burgis and began employment with Federal Grain, initially working as a helper at various locations and subsequently taking over as the agent in Burgis. On June 15, 1952 George was united in marriage to Jean Terlesky in Canora. The couple spent their first year of married life in Burgis. In 1953 George accepted a position with the Co-op Creamery in Canora. With the pending closure of the creamery in Canora, George was transferred to Yorkton in 1976 moving his family with him. In 1990 George retired after 37 years of dedicated service. A loving and caring husband and father, George will be missed by his family and friends.
Predeceased by his parents and older brother Bob, he is survived and will be sadly missed by his wife Jean; daughters, Laurel (Brian) Bassingthwaite of Red Lake, ON and Susan (Royce Flear) of Prince Albert; two grandchildren Erin and Sean Bassingthwaite; three brothers, Norman of Delta, BC, Alex (Cynthia) of Canora and Jim (Vera) of Tisdale; one sister Olga (Ray) Markham of Olds, AB and numerous nieces and nephews. Also missing him terribly is his loyal companion and friend, his cat Heidi who watched and waited daily for his return from the hospital.
Prayers were conducted on Thursday, April 19th at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. Funeral services were held on Friday, April 20th at the Family Centre with Rev. Faye Greer of Westview United Church officiating. The organist, Sharon Litvanyi, led in the singing of the hymns, In The Garden and Amazing Grace. Jim Billy conveyed remembrances of reflections of his brother's life. The Interment followed in the Garden of St. Luke, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with grandson Sean Bassingthwaite serving as the urn bearer. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
Bill Bircham
Mr. Bill Bircham, beloved husband of Lorraine Bircham (nee Lazeski) passed away tragically on Monday, January 21st 2002 near Cereal, Alberta. He was 37 years of age. William Andrew Bircham was born on December 23, 1964 at Balcarres, Saskatchewan; a son of Ervin and Annette (nee Mattice) Bircham. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Kelliher, completing his education at Balfour High School in Regina. As a young man Bill ventured out on his own to find work. Bill met Lorraine Lazeski and the couple resided at various points in Saskatchewan. For the past six years Billy and Lorraine had made Martensville their home. Throughout his working career, Bill (affectionately known as Billy Big Rigger) had worked on the oil rigs in Alberta, for several years he drove truck for Westcan Trucking (formerly LE Matchett Co), and at the time of his death was back working on the rigs in Alberta. A friendly, outgoing individual who enjoyed the company of his friends, Bill was always willing to lend a helping hand to whoever needed it. He enjoyed the outdoors, snowmobiling and just keeping busy.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Lorraine, daughter Ashley and sons Robert and Samuel; his parents, Ervin and Annette of Kelliher; brothers Stanley (Jennifer; Amanda, Ervin, Melissa & Melinda) of Medicine Hat AB, and Mervin (Laura; Sasha, Cody & Dillon) of Medicine Hat ; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and his many other relatives and friends.
The funeral service was held on Saturday, January 26, 2002 from the Kelliher School gymnasium in Kelliher. Rev. Irving Fraser of the United Church of Canada officiated. A number of tribute songs were played, 'For My Broken Heart', 'And Still', 'I Love You' and 'Amazing Grace' and 'How Great Thou Art'. The honorary bearers were Derek Morrow, Cliff Aubin, Scott McNab, Ron Owtten, Gordon Leatham, Ken Kotylak and Stan and Mervin Bircham. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
Ruth Biro
Mrs. Ruth Irene Ball Biro of the Willowbrook district, died peacefully on November 2, 2002 at the age of 87 years - the anniversary of her wedding to George. Ruth was born on her parents' farm, on August 11, 1915. She was raised on the family farm with three older siblings (amid numerous pets) and attended school at Happy Centre. On November 2, 1938 Ruth married George Biro. They had a wonderful marriage of 34 years, working their own farm and raising six children. Widowed at the age of 57, Ruth took on new challenges like learning to drive a car, and over the next 30 years continued to learn and grow. Her family will remember her as a loving, guiding and humorous parent and grandparent, a dancer, musician, gardener, quilter and artist.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children: sons Mel (Shirley) of Willowbrook, Doug (Norma) of Willowbrook; daughters: Flo Bray of Red Deer, Frances (Jim) Barnes of Calgary, Iyla (David) Ottoson of Regina and Colleen Biro of Calgary. Grandchildren: Kim Biro (Kevin), Keith Biro (Tracy), Ron Bray, Michael Bray (Dawni), Stacie Price (Darren), Kristina Barnes (Stefan) and Geoff Ottoson; three great grandchildren: Kyle Biro, Jarret Biro and Sydnie Bray. Ruth was predeceased by her husband in 1972, her father H.S. Ball in 1961, mother Florence (nee Wilder) in 1973; a sister Gracie Bolme in 1991 and brothers Edward in 1999 and Leslie.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 7, 2002 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Faye Greer of Westview United Church Officiating. The organist was Sharon Litvanyi leading the congregation in the the Hymns: 'In The Garden', 'InThe BulbThere Is A Flower' and ' I Danced In The Morning'. Reflections of Ruth's life were given by her daughter: Flo Bray, Frances Barnes and granddaughter Kristina Barnes. Honourary bearers were grandchildren: Kimberly Biro and Michael Bray. The Interment followed in the garden of St. Matthew Yorkton Memorial Gardens with grandchildren: Ron Bray, Stacie Price , Keith Biro, Kristina Barnes and Geoff Ottoson serving as casket bearers. Services directed by Bailey's Funeral Home Yorkton.
Gail Bjorgan
Gail ( Pixie ) Bjorgan was born on April 30, 1961 at Melville, SK; a daughter of Vernon and Hazel (Nee Parlee) Bjorgan. Gail passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2003 at her home in Ebenezer. She was 42 years of age.
She leaves to cherish her memory and to celebrate her life, her husband Jeff Spilchen; her mother Hazel; two brothers: Rob (Shelley), Geoff ( Tracy); a sister, Wanda (Dave) Hamilton; grandmother Agnes Parlee, and Gail's nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Vernon; grandparents George Parlee, Olaf and Christina Bjorgan.
Mr. Willis Warden Black
BLACK - Mr. Willis Warden Black, of Crystal Lake, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 88 years of age. Willis was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 9, 1914; the eldest son of William Watson Black and Ida Mae Taylor Scott Black. He attended high school and later Business College in Winnipeg, obtaining a diploma in business and accounting. In 1934, Willis, along with his two brothers Earl and Leonard, were sent by their parents to Crystal Lake to begin developing the property their mother had homesteaded in 1904. Cottages were built, along with a store, change rooms and a permanent family home over the next six years. A farming practice was also established. In 1940, Willis moved to Hamilton, Ontario and began work as a machinist at the Hamilton Bridge Co. He attempted to enlist in the Canadian Army on three different occasions but was informed each time that he was essential to the war effort and thus spent the war years as a foreman overseeing the building of tanks for the army. In 1946, Willis moved back to Crystal Lake to live permanently along with his wife and two daughters. For the rest of his life he operated Black's Beach, and farmed in the same area. Willis was an active community member who was involved in the community churches of Stenen, Sturgis and Preeceville, and in later years, politics. He was an outstanding father and friend who had a huge impact on his family.
Predeceased by his parents, brothers Leonard and Earl, a sister Muriel and a grandson Darren. He is survived by his former wife, Eileen Jackson of White Rock, BC; daughters, Sharon Black of Crystal Lake, and Sandra Jeffrey and son-in-law William Jeffrey of Abbotsford, BC, grandchildren, Desiree (Chuck) Orem, Scot (Amy) Jackson, Dean (Alice) Redenbach, Marlo (Thor) Haarstad, Eileen Klatt, and Emilia Klatt; step-grandchildren, Zoltan Gergely Jr, John Gergely and Nancy Gergely; five great grandsons and three step great granddaughters; as well as his many other relatives and friends.
'Be this my lot, until I be undone:
Dust of thy road, my land and thy
Grain waving golden in the sun'
- Rachel Blurstein (1890-1931)
The funeral service was held on Friday, December 5, 2003 from the Preeceville Evangel Tabernacle with Pastor Les Hansen officiating. Pianist, Sharon Karcha led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, 'Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross', 'I Love to Tell the Story' and 'Amazing Grace'. Sharon also played and sang Willis' favourite hymn, 'We'll Understand it Better'. Reflections & tributes were given by family members. The Interment followed in the Preeceville Cemetery with Aloys (Jim) Hallick, Zoltan Gergely, Randy Kelbough, Dean Redenbach, Zachary Orem and Michael Popelka serving as the casketbearers. Honorary bearers were great grandsons Nicholas and Lucas Orem. Sharon and Sandra and families would like to offer sincerest gratitude to everyone who helped make the funeral such a fitting tribute to a special man. Very special thanks goes to the staff at the Norquay Lodge for the kind and caring help they bestowed upon our father. God bless you all. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
John Blahut
Mr. John Blahut, of Foam Lake, entered eternal rest on Thursday, March 6, 2003 at the Jubilee Nursing Home in Foam Lake. He was 90 years of age. John was born on July 2, 1912 at Plainview, Saskatchewan to John and Anna (nee Kornak) Blahut. He helped on the family farm before venturing into the work force. Most of his career was in the construction field. He married Mary Melnyk and the couple was blessed with two sons. For many years he maintained his residence in Foam Lake and four years ago became a resident of Jubilee Nursing Home.
He was predeceased by his parents, his son Ed; brothers, Walter, Steve and Ted and a sister Mary. He leaves to cherish a son Harold (Joyce) of Nanaimo, BC; daughter-in-law Claudette Blahut of Calgary; four grandchildren, Cindy (Chuck) Leitch, Darren (Shannon) Blahut, Dean ( Andrea ) Blahut and Daryl Blahut; great grandchildren, Kyle, Brittany, Travis, Mercedes, Tristan and Ethan; two sisters, Ann Matcyk of Yorkton and Rose Burant of Melville and a brother Nick Blahut of Foam Lake.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home with Very Rev. Bryan Bayda, C.Ss.R. of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church officiating. The cantor, Ed Pindus assisted by choir members led in the singing of the responses. The Interment followed in the Garden of Memories at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Cindy Leitch serving as the urn bearer. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
Ed Blazeiko
Mr. Ed Blazeiko of Yorkton, beloved husband of Olga passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2003 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre as a result of a stroke at the age of 72 years. His family was by his side. Ed was born on October 26, 1930 on the family farm in the Willowbrook district; the youngest of six children, born to John and Katherine (nee Lemchuk) Blazeiko. He was raised on the family farm where he attended Centre School and later St. Joseph's College in Yorkton. Ed was united in marriage to Olga Salyn on November 15, 1958 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton. This union was blessed with three children Dianne, Dale and Darren. Ed enjoyed spending quality time with the love of his life, Olga. Ed and Olga went on many winter vacations including a Caribbean Cruise. They spent many summers traveling in their motor home to various family functions and to many fairs to watch the rodeos. In his spare time Ed enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, relaxing at the cabin at Burgis Beach and most importantly spending time with his wife, children and his grandchildren. Ed spent the better part of his life farming in the Willowbrook district until he retired from it in April 1994. Ed worked at several careers throughout his life; his last place of employment was with CAA Saskatchewan which he retired from after 15 years of service in 1995.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, John in 1937 and Katherine in 1984, his sisters Stella Benko in 1990 and Annie Hull in 2002 as well as his brother-in-laws Mike Benko, Gabriel Oshanek and Metro Hull. Ed was a devoted, loving husband, father and grandpa. Ed leaves to celebrate his life, his dearly loved wife of 44 years Olga, his daughter Dianne (Corey) Berg and their children Ashley and Dylan of Churchbridge, his son Dale (Kelli) Blazeiko and their children Brianna and Brady of Yorkton, his son Darren (Lorraine) Blazeiko and their daughter Brooke of Brandon, Manitoba; his sister Mary Oshanek, his brothers Pete (Julia) Blazeiko and Mike (Stella) Blazeiko and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
Prayer services were held on Tuesday evening, January 14, 2003 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home Yorkton. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Wednesday morning, January 15, 2003 from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Yorkton with Very Reverend Father Bryan Bayda C.Ss.R. as Celebrant. The Liturgy responses were sung by St. Mary's Funeral Choir. The Cross Bearers were grandchildren: Ashley and Dylan Berg, Brianna, Brooke and Brady Blazeiko with granddaughter Ashley Berg as Epistle Reader. The Honourary Bearers were Mary Oshanek, Pete and Mike Blazeiko, Ann Kindiak, Metro and Fred Salyn. The Interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Dennis Benko, Tony Blazeiko, Tony and Orest Salyn, Lorne and Glen Boychuk serving as Casket Bearers. At the Memorial Luncheon reflections and remembrances of Ed's life were given by his children: Dianne, Dale and Darren. Services directed by Bailey's Funeral Home.
Mr. Peter Blazeiko
BLAZEIKO - Mr. Peter Blazeiko, beloved husband of Julia of the Willowbrook district entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 with his family at his side. He was 92 years of age. Peter was born on July 12, 1913 in Yorkton, the second of six children born to John and Katherine (nee Lemchuk) Blazeiko. Raised on the family farm near Willowbrook, he attended Centre School for a short time but had to quit school to help on the family farm.
On October 28, 1942 Peter was united in marriage to Julia Dubiel at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton. After their marriage the young couple moved to their own farm near Willowbrook and raised two sons and a daughter. Peter dedicated his life to raising his family and farming. He loved the farm and had a special love for horses and looked forward to each spring when he was able to care for the new set of calves and piglets. Peter enjoyed the hard work, hauling hay, later bales, as well as being on the threshing gang going from farm to farm. He also helped with the building of the Willowbrook Catholic Church, which he was a member of, and later St. Mary's in Yorkton.
Although failing eyesight due to glaucoma caused Peter's retirement, he and Julia remained on the family farm. Peter continued to care for his chickens and pigs. Unfortunately Peter's health started to fail in October, 2005 and consequently became a resident of the Yorkton & District Nursing Home - Malinowski House.
Our dad took great pride in his family and was very proud of each of his grandchildren and four great grandchildren and loved all of them dearly. Even during his last days a visit from the youngest, Megan, brought a smile to his face and a gentle wave.
Peter's love for the outdoors carried over into his leisure time and he was always a willing participate in a good fishing trip and was more than willing to join in on several fishing trips up north with his daughter, son-in-law and Bill Eckhardt. Always the early bird, he was the first one up, getting chips ready for the camp fire. Although Peter didn't venture too far from the family farm too often, he did cherish a trucking trip to Vancouver he had taken with his son (never admitting he was a little nervous driving with him through the mountains on the narrow winding road, even though his hands were gripping the seat).
Peter was predeceased by his parents; infant son Donald (1948); infant grandson Barry (1968); infant great grandson Britton (1997); daughter-in-law Jill Blazeiko (2002); sisters, Stella (Mike) Benko (1990), Mary (Gabriel) Oshanek (2004), Annie (Metro) Hull (2002) and his brother Ed (2003).
Peter leaves to mourn his passing and to cherish his memory, his faithfully devoted wife of 63 years Julia; daughter Adeline (Larry) Markham; sons Tony Blazeiko and Donald Blazeiko; grandchildren Warren (Rosie) Blazeiko, Terry Blazeiko, Brenda (Dale) Hackman, Lori Markham, Doug (Karen) Markham and Wendy Markham; great grandchildren: Braden and Riley Hackman, Rowen and Megan Blazeiko. He is also survived by his brother Mike and many nieces and nephews.
Prayers were held on Thursday, January 26th at the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home. Terry Blazeiko shared reflections of his grandfather.
Requiem Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, January 27th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Methodius Kushko, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by members of St. Mary's Funeral Choir. The crossbearer was Braden Hackman (great grandson) and the epistle reader was Wendy Blazeiko (granddaughter). Serving as honourary bearers were Rowen Blazeiko, Megan Blazeiko, Riley Hackman and Braden Hackman (great grandchildren). The Interment followed in the Garden of Crucifixion at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Wendy Markham, Lori Markham, Douglas Markham, Warren Blazeiko, Brenda Hackman and Terry Blazeiko (grandchildren) serving as the casket bearers. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal memory!
