Myron Bilak

Myron Bilak of Gainesville, Florida, passed away in Tampa Florida on July 8, 2017 at the age of 65. He had just spent a terrific Fourth of July weekend with his family and friends. Myron's parents Wolodymyr and Jaroslawa immigrated to the US from the DP camps of post-World War II Germany about a year before his birth in 1951. Myron grew up in Lorraine Ohio. His lifelong friends Jerry, Johnny, Olya and many more were first generation Americans, children of the tight knit Ukrainian Catholic community that sprung up in the US after the war. Myron attended Case Western Reserve University where he and his roommate Gary lived in the coach house of a giant mansion in Cleveland Heights. If you heard Myron talk about Cleveland, you would want to go for a visit. Myron loved sports and remained a loyal Brown's and Indians fan. Myron moved to Gainesville Florida to support The Florida Gators and to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. He took as much time as possible to earn his degree and had a wonderful time during those years. After graduation, Myron established a private practice, Behavioral Health Associates. He met and married Sheila in 1982. They have two children Andy and Michael. When Andy was diagnosed with autism, Myron was forced to leave private practice for a state position. Andy's autism diagnosis made it difficult to afford health insurance as a self-employed practitioner. Over the years, Myron was an active participant in The Florida Psychological Association and held many offices including President. Myron was a staunch Democrat. The only Republican he ever voted for was Keith Perry. More recently Myron has worked as the licensed psychologist on the VA Home-Based Primary Care Geriatric Program. He has often said that this is the best and most rewarding position since private practice. Myron's wife and children agree that he has always been an incredible husband and father. We miss him dearly many chums and love. Myron is survived by his wife and best friend, Sheila; two sons, Andy & Michael Bilak; his father, Wolodymr Bilak, a brother, Eugene Bilak; aunt and uncle, Marie and Barney Nedoma; his cousins, Lisa, Lydia and Victor; a brother-in-law, Shaun Moffatt; niece, Kerri Moffatt; two nephews, Aaron and Evan Moffatt and family friend, David Gravadino. Myron was preceded in death by his mother, Jaroslawa who passed away on February 26, 2017 An afternoon to remember Myron will be held in Gainesville on Sunday, July 16, 2017 from 2:00PM-6:00PM at Crafty Bastards (352-872-5970), 4860 NW 39th Ave A in Gainesville. Come have a beer and wings. Orange and blue attire not required. A visitation for Myron will be held from 4:00-6:00PM on Monday, July 17, 2017 from Farley Funeral Home in North Port. Please call the funeral home at (941)426-2880 for additional service information and directions if needed. In lieu of flowers please donate to the scholarship program for Quest Camp Thunderbird, Apopka Florida. Camp Thunderbird is dedicated to provide a summer camp experience for children and adults with special needs. Andy Bilak has been attending this camp since high school. Contact Bethany Frazier camp Thunderbird's director at [email protected]. Farley Funeral Home in North Port is handling the arrangements. Visitation Information Date: Monday, July 17, 2017 Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Farley Funeral Home - North Port Address: 5900 South Biscayne Drive, , North Port, FL, 34287 (941) 426-2880 | Map Service Information Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Time: 10:00 am St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Address: , , North Port, FL, | Map