It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Ted Bilar on August 10, 2024, at the age of 93 years. Ted will be greatly missed by his son, Grant (Elaine); daughter, Donna-Mae Hall; grandchildren: Kallen, Quintin (Carol Ann Yerxa), Gavin Bilar, and Sarah Hall. He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters: Lillian Fedoruk and Evelyn Carter; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie; son-in-law, Darcy Hall; parents, John and Marie Bilar; sister and brother-in-law Joe and Joyce Mjolsness; brother-in-law, Dr. Steven Fedoruk and brother-in-law Jack Carter.
Ted was born in Vegreville, Alberta on September 13, 1930. His father, John moved to Thorsby in December 1937 after purchasing what would become Bilar’s Garage. In 1938 he moved his family to Thorsby and was granted the Dodge Chrysler dealership. While attending high school, Ted “manned” the garage while his dad went for lunch. After graduating from Thorsby High School, he attended Alberta College studying bookkeeping. At the age of nineteen, Ted started working full time at the garage and attended SAIT in Calgary for two months each year, to attain his Mechanics License. Ted assumed management of Bilar’s Garage in 1958, the same year he married the love of his life, Marjorie Liske, who at the time, was a teacher in Thorsby. Their family became complete with the birth of their children, Grant and Donna-Mae, in 1961 and 1967. Ted was able to take life a bit easier when Grant took over responsibilities at the garage in 1995. Ted remained in his family home until he became a resident of Plainview Manor in Leduc, Alberta, in January 2023. He really enjoyed the fellowship of both the residents and staff at Plainview Manor.
Ted loved living in Thorsby and was active in this loving community where he: served on the Village Council, as mayor and council, was a Lion’s charter member for 45 years, as well as a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Ted’s faith and dedication were evident in his long-time active membership at Thorsby United Church.
Like his dad, Ted enjoyed fishing, and hunting geese and ducks. He loved spending his days at the garage having coffee with his buddies in the morning and running errands for Grant for the garage. He also enjoyed just sitting in his chair at the garage, reading his book and visiting with customers that came in.
Although Ted was very active in the community and church, he was equally committed to his family. In his free time, Ted’s greatest pleasure was spending time and welcoming family and friends to their cabin on Pigeon Lake. He also loved travelling and cherished the many exciting trips he and Marjorie had an opportunity to take. His favorite trips were to see their daughter and her family, who lived in Chile, and currently in Texas. Ted loved being a grandfather and cherished the moments he could spend with his grandchildren. He particularly loved watching all three of his grandsons play hockey, and when his granddaughter played for him on her harp. He also loved playing crib with his children and grandchildren. During his retirement years, Ted also enjoyed his hobby of building wooden ship models.
The family extends their sincerest thanks to the staff at Leduc Hospital for the wonderful care and kindness they provided Ted the past few weeks before his passing.
A Celebration of Ted’s Life will be held at Hainstock’s Funeral Home, 9810 -34 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, www.albertadiabetesfoundation.com or the charity of one’s choice.
If you wish to send condolences, visit www.hainstockleduc.com
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