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Richard BILKSZTO Obituary

RICHARD ANTHONY BILKSZTO. B.ADMIN, M.S.ED. It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our dear Richard, at his home in Toronto on July 13, 2023 at the age of 60. Predeceased by his father, William Bilkszto(1991). Survived by his loving and devoted mother, Alice Bilkszto; his older brother. Larry (Carol Anne) Bilkszto; nephews, Cody (Jess) Bilkszto and Jason (Brittany) Bilkszto; niece, Katelyn (Graham) MacKay; great-nephews, Byron and Boyd MacKay; as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends. In 1988, at the age of 25, Richard was voted into The Town of Lincoln Council as the youngest ever seated at that time. He served two back to back terms. Richard had a successful career as an educator at the Toronto District School Board, dedication to education was his foremost passion and his love for teaching led him to the role of principal, which furthered his reach to helping others and making a difference by bringing together many programs/initiatives that have been implemented throughout TDSB. His other hobbies included travelling the world, health and fitness, spending time with family and friends. Richard was an inspiration to many and will forever live on in our hearts. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service to be announced at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Jul. 22 to Jul. 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard BILKSZTO

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48 Entries

SOS TDSB Toronto, Canada

September 25, 2023

Invitation: Tribute to Richard Bilkszto on October 15, 2023

Please join us at Mel Lastman Square on Sunday, October 15 from 2 to 4 pm for a tribute to Richard Bilkszto.

Come hear testimonials and honour his legacy.
All are welcome. Please RSVP here: https://sostdsb.ca/justice4richard

Lynda Pellerin

August 29, 2023

To the Bilkszto family I am so sorry for your loss. I met Richard in Grade 8, yes going back abit. I joined Miss Bidgoods class along with 5 other girls, became best friends with Bobby(Andrea) and we are still best friends to this day. I only had 1/2 a year to meet and get comfortable in a new school before I went in to high school. Richard hosted a party at your house on the beach, hope you knew about that lol, he was such a kind fellow classmate. Made me feel at ease and hosted a great party. I remember playing baseball with a lot of our classmates on some weekends and he was with us all. At 60 I still love these memories.
Sending you big hugs.
Lynda Pellerin

Will Madronich

August 23, 2023

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of my childhood friend Richard. I have fond memories of our magic show ( I believe we only sold a few tickets to our families LOL ) , building rafts from drift wood , cleaning up the beach front , trying to write a song about pollution ( I remember Richard played the piano) , and a group of us kids going on adventures with our bikes . The Bilkszto Family was always there to help when we needed it . Mrs.(Alice) Bilkszto , Larry and the rest of the Bilkszto Family please accept our deepest condolences from me , Willie Madronich and the rest of the Madronic(h) Family .

Susan J. Johnson

August 20, 2023

As a former colleague at CALC, I was greatly saddened to hear of Richard´s passing and the emotional pain he must have felt. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Let´s all be kinder.

Alfred Chan

August 13, 2023

I was extremely sad to hear about Richard's sudden passing. I worked with Richard as a colleague, and was always impressed with his professionalism, caring and respect for everyone. He was an outstanding educator, and I was proud to having been a colleague of his. My condolences to his family, who are experiencing a great deal of stress.

Helen D. Teetsov

August 7, 2023

I was shocked and deeply saddened by Richard´s sudden passing. We hadn´t talked in a while, but I had hoped he was enjoying a beach somewhere. He will be missed.
My sincere condolences to his family circle.

Valerie McIntyre

August 6, 2023

My deepest condolences to his friends and family. This is so sad and I support bringing to light any pieces of this story. People need to be kind.

Carol Richards-Sauer

July 31, 2023

I´m so very sorry to be writing condolences because Richard is no more. I so wish we were able to connect and catch up over the summer. I will cherish the memories of being your Adult Day School colleague and your friend after your retirement. My sincerest condolences to your family. You were loved and respected by many.

Single Memorial Tree

Rossitza Iordanova

Planted Trees

BALC staff member

July 30, 2023

I am so extremely saddened to hear of Richard's passing.

I had the pleasure of having him as my Principal. He was an outstanding Principal who never allowed harassment of any kind and did so in the most professional manner.

My very sincere condolences to his family.

BALC staff member

Gerard Ezinwoke

July 28, 2023

I am truly sorry for Richards passing and the anguish you, as his family, must be going through. I never knew Richard personally but I read about his passing and wanted to show my support to you, the family, during these no doubt to be difficult times. From all indications, his life was a blessing to many and he will always be loved by the family who are left behind. Dedicated educators like Richard was, will always be remembered and I'm sure that there are many many children whose lives will always be affected, for the better, from coming in contact with him. My late Mother, who was also an Educator, always used to say "A Teachers reward is in heaven". My prayers go out to you, his family and that God give you the strength and some peace through these times. Gerard

Just a member of the public

July 26, 2023

I watched Richard on TVO and read his sad story last week. Such a passionate educator, a powerful a leader in life and his passing is the spark for a new movement. Thank you Richard. Sympathies to your loving family.

Mary Borg

July 26, 2023

I was very shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Richard. I worked with Richard at the City Adult Learning Centre for a number of years and I remember him as a very hard working Principal who cared a great deal about ALL students. He was taken from this world far too soon, and I can't even imagine the stress that led up to his untimely death. He will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to his family. Mary Borg

Rose Ivy

July 26, 2023

My heart goes out to your family and friends. Your life was a blessing, your memory will remain in my heart. I am deeply saddened by your loss, but grateful for the time we had together. You left us far too soon, but your loving presence will endure forever in our hearts and souls. You were a true inspiration, a born leader full of charisma and fighter for justice. I am a better person for knowing you, better for having met you. May you be as blessed in the next life, as I was in this one by knowing you. You will be missed by all of us lucky to have known you. May you rest in peace.

Susi Kennedy

July 26, 2023

I am heartbroken over your loss. I didn't know Richard, but he sounded like a wonderful human being who only wanted what was best for the children. May he rest in peace.

Ruchika

July 26, 2023

To a fellow educator:

dear Richard, I learned of your passing through the news. And, what awful news this is. You have left us too early. 60. We will not forget -- you.

I grieve for all that you faced -- perhaps unbeknownst to others -- in the months leading up to your untimely passing.

I am learning about your many contributions to the Board -- to people, working and studying to improve their own lives. I will continue to learn about you; we will speak about you, Richard. We will not forget.

My sincerest condolences to Richard's dear family and friends.

-Ruchika

Colleague

July 26, 2023

I was very saddened and disturbed to hear about Richard´s death and the circumstances that led to it.

I had the pleasure of talking to Richard at a Principal meeting about his retirement. Although I did not know him well at all, he seemed very kind, engaging and excited about his new future.

My condolences to his family and friends who will continue to deal with such a tragic and senseless loss.

Jennifer Mayr

July 26, 2023

I had the pleasure of working with Richard and am deeply saddened at the circumstances that lead up to his death. He cared tremendously for not only his students but for his fellow coworkers. A compassionate man with a heart of gold. He will be greatly missed and never ever forgotten.
Jennifer Mayr

Rose Ivy

July 26, 2023

Your life was a blessing, your memory will remain in my heart. I am deeply saddened by your loss, but grateful for the time we had together. You left us far too soon, but your loving presence will endure forever in our hearts and souls. You were a true inspiration, a born leader full of charisma and fighter for justice. I am a better person for knowing you, better for having met you. May you be as blessed in the next life, as I was in this one by knowing you. You will be missed by all of us lucky to have known you.

Rose Ivy, co-worker

Annette Malinowski

July 25, 2023

My deepest condolences to Richard´s family, friends, and all affected by this very tragic loss. May God grant him eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon him! Rest in peace.

Jody Kitson-Roy

July 25, 2023

Although I never had the honour of meeting Richard, the news of his passing has saddened me to the core. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who are affected by this great loss. Richard, thank you for all of your many contributions to education throughout your career. It is evident that you have positively influenced the lives of many.

Ralph Nigro

July 25, 2023

My deepest sympathies to Richard´s family and friends. A great loss to the TDSB, where Richard worked so tirelessly to help so many. We miss you dearly. Rest in peace.

Rosetta Del Monte

July 25, 2023

I am reading Richards story in the national post. My heart grieves for the situation leading up to his emotional distress and subsequent death. This is a national tragedy. This story must be told so that it is not repeated. I send you my deepest sympathies.
Warmly
Luciano and Rosetta Del Monte
Guelph ON

TC

July 25, 2023

I understand your frustration and pain. A good man taken too soon. Rest in peace.

Tehmina Ahmed

July 25, 2023

I am a Teacher with the Peel District School Board & learn about this tragic loss today.

Feeling extremely sad & am thinking about all family + friends, who are grieving/morning.

Blessings & eternal peace for Richard, who devoted his life to supporting others via public education

Margaret Gatley

July 25, 2023

Deepest condolences to the Bilkszto family.
Through the power of love, "Bur Oak's" deep roots, connect to thousands of oaks, tapping into their root systems to ensure survival, knowledge & healthy growth.This was Richard Bilkszto.

Single Memorial Tree

Margaret Gatley

Planted Trees

Margaret and Lorne

July 25, 2023

Deepest condolences to the whole family. A wonderful man who will always be remembered for his integrity and unconditional generosity.

Dan Poursanidis

July 25, 2023

My Deepest Condolences to the Bilkszto Family . May his Memory be Eternal.

Peggy Murphy

July 24, 2023

My deepest condolences to Richard´s mother Alice and his brother Larry and family.

Ann

July 24, 2023

I did not know Richard but I am a fellow teacher and this news about him is so sad. Richard sounds like a wonderful person and educator. My deepest condolences for his family - may his soul rest in peace. God Bless you Richard.

James Jensen

July 24, 2023

I Grieve with Thee.... Thank You for your Service to the Youth.

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The Camutis

Planted Trees

John Au

July 24, 2023

I first met Richard over a decade ago when he supported me in the promotion process. Professional, kind and honest - as he was every time I saw him since that first meeting. I will always remember him in that way. His passing is so sad. My deepest condolences to his family.

Gillian Gibbons

July 24, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss. Richard was an amazing educator and person. We shared the same interest in music and we always had such wonderful conversations about the latest concert we had attended. This is such a great loss, he was a beautiful human being.
Sincerely,
Gillian

Myra Leffler

July 24, 2023

Condolences to Alice and Richard´s family.
I met Richard during a political campaign he was involved with in Lincoln many years ago. He was full of life and always a defender of Canada and his community and wanting to help people. He would have been a great asset to his students. God bless !

No. Findlay

July 23, 2023

Dear Lovely Man.
May Your Soul find Peace!
What a Tragic Loss!

Tim Seabrook

July 23, 2023

I was shocked to learn of Richard´s passing. He was a good friend to me, who studied and advocated for educational issues important to him, cared for his students and mentored his colleagues. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP RB

Single Memorial Tree

Janice Gladstone

Planted Trees

Janice Gladstone

July 23, 2023

I´m so sad about Richard´s untimely death. I have known and enjoyed Richard as a colleague for many years. Recently I had the pleasure of spending time with him when he came to our school to work with us as a supply administrator. He appeared to be doing well, making his passing seem all the more tragic. I wish his family a soft journey through their grief. Janice Gladstone

G

July 23, 2023

Had the honor of having Richard as an administrator twice in the last 3 years. Heart broken by the news. He will be remembered.

dTb OCT

July 23, 2023

A brave man in a harsh world.

Paul M.

July 23, 2023

I will plant a beautiful white pine-Ontario´s official tree in memory of Richard. I offer my condolences and sympathy for his friends, family, colleagues and anyone in the community who was fortunate enough to meet him-while not knowing Richard personally, I understand he was an advocate for Canadians and new Canadians -especially those that struggled in education. We are truly all losing out on a great man who made this country that much better. May he rest in peace and may we all honour him for countless contributions to making this Country a better place.

member of the community

July 23, 2023

I did not have the good fortune of meeting Richard, but I wish to extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones on this profound loss. I only hope that this devastating situation will serve as a cautionary lesson for society at large.

Mol Macdonald

July 23, 2023

Old Irish saying: "Caomhnaíonn aingil an fhírinne nuair a thiteann laoch."( Angels guard the Truth, when a warrior falls.")

Catherine M Thompson

July 22, 2023

Richard Bilkszto was my principal when I served as vice-principal for Edvance at CALC. He was very kind to me, virtually holding my hand as I learned the ropes that year. The news of his passing is sad, indeed.

Tasha Kheiriddin

July 22, 2023

My deepest condolences. Richard was a kind and lovely person and it was a privilege to know him and work with him to improve education for our children. He will be sorely missed.

Single Memorial Tree

Leanne McGuirk

Planted Trees

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