Obituary of Eugene "Gene" Strilchuk

Eugene "Gene" Neal Strilchuk of Edmonton, Alberta passed away Friday, February 21, 2014 at the age of 54 years. Gene was born March 4, 1959 to Paul and Irene Strilchuk in Tofield Hospital. He was the youngest in our family with three older brothers, Larry, Brian and Bob. Gene attended school in Holden, Bawlf and Ryley. He grew up on the family farm just outside of Ryley where he spent most of his school years and worked with his father Paul on the farm or at Ryalta Industries after school and on weekends. During this time he learned the value of a strong work ethic which Gene practiced all throughout his adult life. While at school he made many good friends. He was a good student, but like most kids he liked to have fun. He was always a kind, thoughtful guy, with a twinkle in his eye when he told stories. They were always interesting. Although you would never know it, because he never complained, Gene had issues with his health. At the age of 16, he underwent an operation to remove part of one lung. After high school, Gene went to S.A.I.T. in Calgary where he received his business diploma. Gene worked at various jobs around Edmonton and Westlock. Not being scared to take a chance Gene found himself self-employed with a small inter-city courier company in Edmonton, an auto parts store in Tofield and a distributor of fireworks, both supplying dealers as well as shooting the fireworks displays himself. His travels took him to Vancouver where he once again found himself being self-employed. He had his own delivery business and then went to work in sales in the automotive business for Landsdown GM and Orca Auto Group. Gene was never afraid to try something new and would always try to improve the way of doing the job. Gene always had a keen interest in flying and got his private pilot's license in his early 20's. Gene enjoyed being able to fly as he felt comfortable in the air and was thrilled to be able to do so. This is probably why when the opportunity to move to Peace River to work with Peace Air as Flight Coordinator came up, he jumped at the chance. During his time at Peace Air, Gene's health took another turn for the worse, as he became very sick and was hospitalized for about 6 weeks. He had one of his lungs totally removed. This didn't seem to slow Gene down, as he kept working and putting everything he had into his job. Some would call him a workaholic. Gene enjoyed watching the Oilers and loved to talk politics; municipal, provincial and federal. In September 2013, again his health deteriorated. Gene left his job in December, and moved to Westlock. After a brief battle with cancer, we lost our younger brother on February 21st. Gene, you will be missed by your Dad, brothers and our families, and all the friends that you have made over the years. You were always a private person that wanted to do things your own way and never be a burden on anyone. We are glad that your pain and suffering is now over. We will forever cherish the memories and the good times we have had together. Left to cherish his memory are his father Paul; brothers Larry (Marilynn) of Westlock, Brian (Marilyn) of Ryley, and Bob (Barb) of Spruce Grove; and numerous nieces and nephews. Eugene was predeceased by his mother Irene. A Funeral Service was held 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 17, 2014 from the Ryley Community Hall with Rev. Greg Faryna officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to the Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church Round Hill.