Howard Bilan

Howard Bilan, beloved Husband of the late Florence Bilan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Preeceville and District Health Center at the age of 85. 

Born on January 26, 1940, in the Buchanan district to Matthew and Ann Bilan, Howard was the youngest of four siblings: George, James, and Wilma. He attended Woodhurst School for his elementary education and later completed high school in Buchanan. 

Howard often fondly recalled his childhood on the family farm, expressing deep gratitude for his sister Wilma, who played a significant role in his upbringing while his older brothers helped maintain the farm. Though not related by blood, Howard shared a lifelong bond with a dear friend and neighbor, Valerie Anderson, whom he considered a sister. They were fortunate to stay in touch throughout the years and get together for a visit earlier this year. 

After high school, Howard moved to Winnipeg in search of work. While employed as a freight elevator operator at Eaton’s, he met Florence Malinowski, a young woman working in the cafeteria. Their courtship led to marriage on May 19, 1962, in Winnipeg. Together, they welcomed their first two children, Kelly in 1963 and Shelley in 1965. 

Howard and Flo later returned to Buchanan, where Howard began working with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. His career took him to Kelvington, Buchanan, Mikado, and finally Stenen, where they welcomed Curtis in 1969, Trevor in 1971 and Tanya in 1974. In 1976, the family settled in Preeceville, where Howard continued his work with the Wheat Pool until his retirement in 1997. 

Howard was deeply involved in his community. He served as president on both the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and the Preeceville Lions Club. He also held board and director positions with the Crossroads Credit Union as well as the Gateway Co-op. 

Howard was an avid outdoorsman, and he enjoyed fishing at Good Spirit Lake, Townsend Lake, and Jan Lake. He cherished family camping trips, often with all five kids and two dogs packed into a 15.5-foot camper. After the children grew up, Howard and Flo continued camping at Townsend Lake. Following Flo’s passing, Howard looked forward to annual fishing trips to Jan Lake with Kelly and extended family. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, gardening, and sharing special spirits from his legendary little green bottle. 

Howard was a sports fanatic, and faithfully watched the Blue Jays, Roughriders, Rangers, and Dr. Pol from his front row seat right at home. Wednesdays were reserved for Kaiser games with his friend Dave at Club 50 in Buchanan. 

Above all, Howard treasured time spent with his family, who all brought him immense joy. He had a real sense of humor, he loved telling jokes and could turn any situation into a funny one. He had so much love to share and he shared it amongst all. 

Howard was predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Flo Bilan; daughter, Shelley Wilgosh; parents, Matthew and Ann Bilan; brothers, George (Florence) and Jim (Elsie); sister, Wilma (Dan); mother-in-law, Joan Malinowski and brother-in-law, Bill. 

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Kelly (Sandy), Curtis (Jen), Trevor (Colleen), Tanya (Collin), and son-in-law Kevin Wilgosh; grandchildren, Michael (Paige), Jared (Erika), Chelsey (Michael), Adam (Ty), Jessy (and his dog Winston), Brady-Ann, Madison, Mason, Andrew (Jamie), Katelyn, Alex, Nathan, Jazmine, Jacquelynn, and Madison; and great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Adeline, Lewis, Howard, Violet, August, and Petra and brother-in-law, Joe. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. 

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from the Chapel of the Preeceville Home with Kim Sandager officiating. The eulogy and special memories of Howard where shared by Kelly and Jared Bilan. Interment followed at the Preeceville Community Cemetery with Jessy Wilgosh and Jared Bilan serving as urn bearers. Honourary urn bearers were all of Howard’s grandchildren. 

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Preeceville Home Care and Preeceville and District Health Center for their exceptional care over the past year and recent weeks. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Preeceville Lions Club (Box 302, Preeceville, SK S0A 3B0) or Preeceville Wildlife Federation (Box 711, Preeceville, SK S0A 3B0) as gifts of Remembrance.