PILAT: In Loving Memory of William Pilat who was born October 29, 1917 at Wolia District, SK and passed away April 10, 2014 at North Battleford, SK. Cherishing William's memory: Daughter: Mary (Ed) Kutz of Saskatoon, SK & their children: Ted (Jill) Kutz of Winnipeg, MB; Perry Kutz of Saskatoon, SK; Tricia (Cal) Fendelet of Lloydminster, AB; Daughter: Anne Michnik of Regina, SK & her children: Kenny (Lynda) Michnik of Glaslyn, SK; Brad (Brenda) Michnik of Saskatoon, SK; Darla Keen of Regina, SK; Daughter: Gloria (Ralph) Chamberlain of Tulliby Lake, AB & their children: Pamela (Paul) Roger of Calgary, AB; Jerome (Laurie) Chamberlain of Airdrie, AB; Sara (Aaron) Cowie of Airdrie, AB; Son, Billy Pilat of Glaslyn, SK & his children: Charlotte (Darcy) Pilat-Burns of Saskatoon, SK; Philip (Cindy) Pilat of Glaslyn, SK; Daughter, Irene (Neil) Wouters of Saskatoon, SK & their children: Darren (April) Wouters of Carrot River, SK; Cheryl (Charles) Mullner of Prince Albert, SK; Jason (Jaimie) Wouters of Saskatoon, SK; Son, Michael (Suzy) Pilat of Glaslyn, SK & their children: Kaylene (Brendan) Samida of Melville, SK; Mandy (Derek) Danilkewich of Meadow Lake, SK; Christy Pilat of Saskatoon, SK; Joey Pilat of Saskatoon, SK; sister, Louise Johnston of Victoria, BC. Bill was blessed to have had 19 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Bill was predeceased by his parents: Daniel and Maria Pilat; his wife, Lena Pilat; grandson, Darrell Michnik; brothers: Mike, John & Pete. The Funeral Service was held Monday, April 14, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. from Glaslyn Community Hall, Glaslyn, SK with Rev. Canon Donald Skinner officiating. The Eulogy was given by Charlotte Pilat-Burns & Philip Pilat and Shared Memories given by Mandy Danilkewich & Joey Pilat. Music Ministry was Pianist ~ Casey Davies; Soloist ~ Robert MacKay: "Beyond The Sunset". Honourary Pallbearers were "All Who Shared Bill's Life" and Active Pallbearers were Kenny Michnik, Darren Wouters, Brad Michnik, Jerome Chamberlain, Keegan Michnik and Philip Pilat. Memorials are requested to Saskatoon Cancer Centre, 20 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 4H4 or a Charity of the Donor's Choice. Interment took place at Wolia Cemetery, Glaslyn, SK. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. (306)446-4200. Eulogy William Pilat Sr., known commonly as Bill, was born to Daniel and Maria in October 1917 in Wolia district near Glaslyn and was raised in a log house with an earth roof. He went to school in Wolia and then Glaslyn and a young age started working by trapping gophers and selling their tails to make money. After he completed school he sold Watkins products in the 30's by horse and caboose. Bill married Lena Korpach in May, 1940 and they had 6 children- Mary, Anne, Gloria. Bill Jr, Irene and Michael. There were eventually 19 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild - Madison. They farmed south of North Battleford in Eagle Hills area then moved to farm west of Glaslyn in 1944. Bill and Lena always enjoyed the company of family and went on many family holidays. Many Ukrainian Christmases were spent as a family together as this was a cherished time for all. Later on in life he and Lena enjoyed taking their grown children on trips to far off places in the world. In 1946, he and brother-in-law, Russell Korpach opened the Glaslyn Garage which later became William Pilat & Son Limited. The garage had one of the first TVs in Glaslyn and there'd be full house to watch Bonanza on Sunday nights. He was a general merchant that took items on trade (cattle, lumber and almost anything else that he could sell). He won many awards from General Motors and implement dealers over the years. In 1996, he celebrated 50 years in business and Bill Jr now operates the garage; it is going on 68 years in business (it is one of the oldest businesses in Glaslyn). Bill was a community builder and served on village council for many years as well as being the longest serving member of the Elks in the area for over 50 years. Bill was part of the building of the community rink and collected at the gate for more than 50 years. He was very serious about this job and never let anyone in for free - not even Billy got in for free. Despite this, he was a true gentleman who always greeted people warmly and sincerely. Grandpa was a true entrepreneur and a famer at heart helping Bill Jr at the garage and Michael at the farm. Michael still runs the farm. He really enjoyed drives through the countryside to check on the progress of crops and could report on which were coming along the best. Bill also knew who had the best herd of cattle while exploring. He was presented with a Nation Builder award in 2005 by the North West Historical Society. Bill loved fishing and hunting. He looked forward to moose hunting with Uncle George and his son Walter and later on with his sons, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Into his 80's, he went to the old moose shack and shared his stories. He always looked forward to more of these adventures and excitedly talked about each one for months on end. He enjoyed being around people and even into his late 80's spent time at the local coffee shop visiting with neighbours. Bill spent his last years in a nursing home in North Battleford and into his mid-90's he still very much enjoyed visiting; his mind was sharp as a tack and his sense of humour intact. He remained keenly interested in his family and proud of their many accomplishments. Just try to find a spot to put a new picture up in his room. He lit up every time he saw the children in his family, and always had a treat for them. He was someone you could sit quietly next to and never feel uncomfortable. Bill Pilat was a man who came from simple beginnings and with hard work, determination and an entrepreneurial spirit accomplished a lot in his life. He was kind, generous and wise. ____________________________________________________
