January 19, 1953 ~ July 14, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eugene on July 14 at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 69.
Eugene will be remembered by his wife Sherry Emery (nee Bilyk) of 39 years; two daughters, Jennifer Emery (Tony) and Cherisse (Fikira) Mahamba; son Bryan (Alyssa) Emery; granddaughter Eastyn Emery; grandsons, Mordecai Mahamba, and Berkeley Emery; as well as my countless relatives and friends.
He was born on January 19, 1953 in Ste Rita, Manitoba to Paul and Jeanne Emery (nee Ducharme); he was 1 of 12 children. Throughout his life he was always proud of and demonstrated a strong work ethic. At a young age he began supporting the home by working farming jobs, later adolescence he worked alongside his father and brothers in forestry. As a young adult, Eugene worked on highway crews and even as an underwater welder prior to beginning his career with CNR in 1972. Over the span of his 22 years with CNR he held many positions on the rail line and worked in numerous locations in Eastern Manitoba and Western Ontario. He and his first wife, Karen Ladychuck (m. 1974-1981), welcomed his first daughter, Jennifer, in 1981. In 1983 Eugene married the love of his life, Sherry Bilyk. Together they continued to grow their family and welcomed their son Bryan in 1984 and daughter, Cherisse in 1985.
After leaving CNR in 1994 to pursue other career and life interests, Eugene started working with Jules and Margaret of Red Willow Lodge where he received the name Bear Spirit Man of the Eagle Clan. Eugene was a sun dancer and pipe carrier; he was very proud of his Métis heritage and remained actively involved with the MMF until his passing.
Eugene worked for Dormer Finishing Systems building paint booths in Winnipeg as well as across Western Canada from 1996-2012 when he partially retired. In addition to his career and family achievements he was active in the community serving as a councillor for the RM of Reynolds for 7 years and reeve for 4 years. He also belonged to many community groups over the years including Ste Rita Community Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Knights of Columbus, Kildonan Horizons, and the MMF to name a few. He loved animals and nature and was a man of many hobbies such as bowling, cribbage, hunting, fishing, swimming, and in his younger days – cliff diving. He loved playing with his grandchildren and sharing as many of his hobbies with them as he could, including his knowledge about nature.
Eugene was an honest and open man who was very proud of his accomplishments and his family. He will be lovingly remembered, and deeply missed.
Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 20 at 11:00 am at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue E., Beausejour, with lunch to follow at the Ste. Rita Community Centre, Ste. Rita, MB. Cremation will follow the service with Interment to take place on Friday, July 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Ste. Rita Cemetery, Ste. Rita, MB. There will be a family gathering in the Ste. Rita Community Centre following the interment.
Flowers may be sent to Sobering Funeral Chapel.
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Marion Molnar
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Eugene. Our heartfelt condolences go to you Sherry and your family.God be with you. Jim and Marion Molnar
Theresa Toupin
My Mom and I would like to send our sincere
Condolences to Eugene’s family and friends.
Rest easy ❤️
Aline (niece)
Uncle Eugene was truly an amazing person. He accepted everyone. He had compassion, understanding and always helped others . I looked up to him and will always cherish my visits with Uncle Eugene.
Brian Severson
So sorry to hear about Eugene’s passing. Our sincere condolences to Sherry and family.
Brian and Jeannette Severson
Marie Mercier
I’m so sorry for your loss Sherry and family. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Eugene will be very missed by everyone that knew him
Marie Mercier
Danielle & Stuart Williams
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Eugene. He was so full of life and love. It was wonderful to reconnect with him last fall when we were in Winnipeg. I will cherish the Metis gifts he gave me.
Tom Trach
Sorry for your loss
Sherry
Sherry and family, very sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. he will be missed in our home .from Dale and Roger Mercier
Gerald and Pamela Hawranik
We are very sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sherry, Bryan, Cherisse, Jennifer and the grandchildren. Eugene was one of a kind, honest, caring and a champion for those who were less fortunate. We describe him as not only a gentle man but also as a gentleman. He supported the community as an ardent volunteer. He had a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Ron and Gail Gross
Sherry, our hearts go out to you, Jennifer, Bryan and Cherisse with the passing of Eugene. Eugene will be missed greatly by us. Love you!! Ron and Gail Gross
Ralph & Violet Crumb
So sorry to hear about the passing of Eugene our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ron & Gail Schlag
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kennedy Family
Our condolences to the wonderful Emery family. May God heal your hearts through your time of grief.
Eugene was very intelligent, engaging and an excellent communicator. He knew how to get things done and was very good at problem solving. I looked to Eugene as a mentor and friend, he cast a long shadow everywhere that he went and his wonderful sense of humour, strong character and giving heart were on display to everyone that he met. I will miss you so much and the community has lost a good man and a solid motivated contributor. Rest In Peace till we meet again at our makers feet.
Roger Bouvier
Deepest sympathies to Eugene’s family. Fond memories of working with Eugene during his terms as councillor and Reeve of the municipality. Rest In Peace.
Denise Thomas
Condolences to you Sherry, I’m so sorry that I wasn’t able to attend Eugene’s funeral, I’m battling a very bad cold. Eugene will be missed at the MMF AGA this fall. he indeed loved Métis culture and was proud of being a Red River Métis.