Our sympathies go out to you at this time of sorrow. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you from all of us at SDS Canada. It is a time of great sadness for all those in the SDS community.  Michael will long be remembered with love. R.I.P.


Michael was my life since his birth. Michael grew up seeing doctors and spending time in the hospital.  He had been stuck with needles so many times he just disregarded the anesthesia  for pain.  Procedures were routine. Bone marrow biopsies were nothing to him. Surgeries, too many to discuss.  His unique lack of concern for himself was unbelievable .  I can count on one hand the times I saw him breakdown in tears.  It was only when he was overwhelmed with thoughts of more chemotherapy. Michael was the bravest man I have ever known. His perseverance and determination were unmeasurable.  His desires and his compassion were like no others. His love for me and his family unremarkable.  He was strong beyond comprehension. He never complained to me or to the doctors. Michael lived to play hockey, work at Home Depot, and  play video games, create jewelry and ceramic crafts..  He was great at everything. Unfortunately, Michael's last 15 months of his life were spent in and out of the hospital and receiving  treatment for his leukemia.  Three to five days a week,  Michael would travel 40 minutes to the University of Chicago Hospital for multiple transfusions and various procedures. He was at the clinic anywhere from 3-8 hours .
It was brutal and only to become sicker each week. Michael had the toughest leukemia to cure.  In fact there was no cure.  We were hoping for remission but,  it never came.  More towards the end of these grueling months Michael became aware that he was not getting any better. In October, he began his Christmas shopping. He was very proud to have gotten it completed and all packages in the mail before he got so sick he couldn't leave the hospital.  His mission was accomplished. 
Michael gave great hugs.  He would hug me morning and night. Every evening at 6 pm he insisted that I watch an NHL game with him.  Loads of fun.  Michael was a great goalie. He could have become a goalie coach. He was that smart.
Most of all, Michael taught me how to live.

My thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Michael put up a good fight and now he can rest with his Heavenly Father in Heaven....or play hockey on the heavenly team!!! God Bless you all!!! I’m sending a huge hug to all if you.

Billings family, sorry to hear about the loss of Mike. He has touched the heart of many, I played hockey with Mike on Oak lawn eagles through peewee & bantam. Then played against him in high school when he went to Brother Rice and I went to Stagg. I am always grateful that mike invited me to play rat hockey with him and his friends that was invite only. A group I still play with from time to time today. He was a blessing, and will always have a place in the heart of many. Rest easy Mike. 

Terri , so so sorry for your loss. I remember when Michael would come for his physical therapy and he would work so hard.  He was always so polite and his smile was the best.  His strength was greater because of the family that loved him. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time   I pray that God wraps his arms around your family and gives you comfort and peace 

Mikey was one hell of a hockey player, and he played for the team I'm on, the Nordekes, a few times. He was a terror to play against, and a blessing to play with. We are loved playing with him.

Rest in peace brother, the Nordekes have you on our helmets and in our hearts.

-Ed

Eileen & I are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your entire family in our prayers. May you be blessed with God's peace which is beyond all understanding in the days and months to come. This message is sent with love.

He was such a great goalie and a nice soul. I remember colliding with him a few years and seeing stars. I feel bad for not knowing his health had turned recently. 
To Mike’s family, I will miss him. You raised a great man. 
Scott Kirk

That smile!  It's been a long time since I saw that smile in person - but it's the same smile I recall from my days at the ice arena.   Sending hugs. May you find comfort in your family and friends during this difficult time. 

What a beautiful family this is!!! Mike is mike because of the wonderful and warm way he was raised! I still remember when my daughter carly would start and end each day there playing hockey with mike!!!!! I even asked Terri if she had an extra bed they were inseparable and enjoyed each other unconditionally! My prayers are with mike who is now no longer in any pain and looking down on that special family!!!!  Ter my thoughts are also with u and the kids but be very proud of the GREAT mom u were to that angel!!!!!!😇😘

I remember mike by how honest, funny and fearless he was. 
We met in high school and I would make it a point to include him in anything I could. 
He just wanted to be one of the guys.
I remember when me and some friends planning a cook out during the summer and I decided to invite mike along.
We had to go buy some food and drinks, and decided to walk to the nearest  jewel.
After going down the aisles we ended up with more than we could carry, after making an adult decision we decided to take the shopping cart with us all the way back to the house.
Along the way we decided that it was gonna be a while before we would eat so we decided to make a pit stop and pick up a little ceasers pizza, to eat on our way home.
 I remember this because for that day we were dumb,young, and felt free. 
Mike was just one of the guys!!
Mike was fearless !!!!

I can see Michael as a kindergartner full of life!  His illness was not going to define Michael. His spirit was contagious and sweet. As St. Paul would say, “ He fought the good fight and now Michael has finished the course “. Terry and family, may you find peace in the memories and love of Michael.   Sue Carroll💕

Dear Terri,

Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences. Because of our communication with patients and family members through our Patient Aid Program,  we personally feel successes and loses of our patients. Michael is in our thoughts and prayers along with all family members and friends who loved him. 

May he rest in peace,
Angela Russo, Executive Director and Tara Coleman Director of Patient Aid -Children's Leukemia Research Association. 

Mikey will always have a special place in my heart. He was so brave in all he did. This will always be my favorite memory. 
My sincerest condolences to your family. 

OBITUARY

Michael William Billings

8 January, 1991 – 18 December, 2019

Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home

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