STAN BILINSKI

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STAN BILINSKI December 22, 1915 - May 27, 2017 Peacefully, at Red River Place in Selkirk, Manitoba, Stan Bilinski passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the age of 101 years. Stan was born on December 22, 1915 in Hazelridge, Manitoba, the third youngest of nine children. Adopted at an early age, he would be reunited with his biological siblings later in life. Stan grew up on the farm and went to school in the Rossdale area of Manitoba. He was a very hard worker and worked many jobs in his lifetime. His first job was shoveling snow at the CPR Transcona yards, and he went on to work at Riedle's Brewery, Northwest Brass, Dominion Foundry, Princess Tire and Fort Garry Tire. Stan also farmed all his life and it was while he worked with a travelling harvesting crew that he met Frieda Schimunek. They dated, fell in love, and were married on July 15, 1950. Their love and devotion to each other was like no other. Stan enjoyed farming and together they worked a small farm in Cloverdale for many years. It was here they made a home and raised their family - a daughter Lorraine, and a son, Allen. They eventually moved into Selkirk in retirement. They shared many adventures together, including a trip to Hawaii, camping in Thief River Falls, trips across Canada and spending many winter months in Arizona. Stan also enjoyed working with his hands and being on the farm; there was always something to fix. Stan also drove Bus # 24 for the Lord Selkirk School Division for 21 years, and after his retirement, continued his love for driving and drove the bus for Gordon Howard Seniors' Centre. Stan gradually lost his eye sight due to glaucoma and when he could no longer drive, he turned to his love of old time music, especially fiddle and polka music. In his younger years, Stan and Frieda could always be found on the dance floor, and hosted many New Year's Eve parties in their home for friends and neighbours. After Frieda's sudden passing in 2012, Stan moved to Red River Place in Selkirk and lived for the "Polka Party" program on CFRY radio, where he could listen to his favourite polka tunes every Saturday night and mentally relive his love of music and dance. He also lived for and enjoyed having his favourite homemade meals brought to him. Stan will be remembered and missed by his children, Lorraine (Fred) and Al (Carol); grandchildren, Karyn (Russ), Karla (Mike), Chris and Jaime (Mason); and great-granddaughters, Natalie and Isabelle. Stan was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Frieda in 2012; as well as all eight siblings: Dora, John, Carrie, Minnie, Tony, Frank, Beatrice and Annie. The family would like to thank the staff at Red River Place who cared for Stan, and also to Dr. R. Lindenschmidt for his care over the years. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 9 at 3:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba, with interment to follow the service in the Selkirk Lutheran Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will follow the interment. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 03, 2017