BARRIE MELVIN BILAN

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BARRIE MELVIN BILAN March 5, 1951 - October 12, 2015 Barrie was born and raised in Winnipeg. From an early age he was fascinated by mechanical objects. He loved the battery operated tin toys he would find under the Christmas tree such as robots, rocket launchers, planes and, of course, cars. The cars, on a much larger scale, would become a lifelong passion. Barrie was extremely proud of the vintage '70s and '80s cars he carefully restored, but his pride and joy was the 1970 Charger which he bought brand new and nurtured for a lifetime. In his teens, Barrie developed a strong interest in music and eventually found his way into radio. He worked as an announcer in Winnipeg and then Red Deer before finally settling in Fort Frances, Ontario. He was well received by his many audiences and will be remembered fondly as Barrie Blake, his on air alias. In recent years, Barrie developed a number of illnesses and was in chronic pain. He, however, staunchly soldiered on, making a comfortable life for himself in Fort Frances, but he always planned to return to Manitoba. Barrie leaves behind his mother Anne; brother Bob (Irene); sister Bonnie Hollens (Bryan) and nephews Sean and Jason Hollens. He was predeceased by his father, Michael. Barrie was a bright, affable and compassionate man who loved his family and his many friends. Finally, he will be going home. He will be interred in a private ceremony, in the family plot with his father, in Winnipeg. He will be forever in our hearts. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenedenmemorial.ca Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2015