Bilusack Bros. Memorial Fund
Established by Pam Bilusack in 2026, this fund honours the lives and legacy of her brothers, Paul and Brent, the “Bilusack Bros.”
After experiencing the devastating loss of both of her brothers to suicide, Brent at age 19 in 2007 and Paul at age 46 in 2026, Pam was inspired to transform her pain into a meaningful lifelong purpose. Through this fund, she hopes to create a legacy that supports individuals whose lived experience, education, or community involvement contributes to mental health awareness, suicide prevention and postvention, grief support, and overall well-being.
Established by Pam Bilusack in 2026, this fund honours the lives and legacy of her brothers, Paul and Brent, the “Bilusack Bros.”
After experiencing the devastating loss of both of her brothers to suicide, Brent at age 19 in 2007 and Paul at age 46 in 2026, Pam was inspired to transform her pain into a meaningful lifelong purpose. Through this fund, she hopes to create a legacy that supports individuals whose lived experience, education, or community involvement contributes to mental health awareness, suicide prevention and postvention, grief support, and overall well-being.
“I can’t turn the loss of my brothers into something positive, but I can turn it into a purpose.” - Pam
Two Brothers, One Legacy
In honouring Paul and Brent’s memory, the Bilusack Bros. Memorial Fund supports individuals and communities in the areas of mental health, suicide prevention and postvention, grief education and support, and overall well-being. Below, these are referred to as the fund’s “areas of focus.”
The fund is intended to provide an annual scholarship to a graduating high school student in Regina who has demonstrated resilience, compassion, or leadership that aligns with the areas of focus. This may include a student who has:
- lived experience with mental illness, suicide loss, or grief;
- supported a family member, friend, or peer through these experiences; or
- made a meaningful contribution to their school or community in these areas.
While this fund is dedicated to Paul and Brent, the vision extends beyond that. It honours those lost to suicide and the countless individuals whose lives have forever been changed by suicide loss. Through education, support, and community investment, the fund aims to support a future where fewer families experience this kind of loss. As the fund grows through future contributions, it may also support charitable initiatives that align with its purpose while continuing to honour and remember Paul and Brent.
Family, friends, community members, and anyone who feels connected to the fund’s purpose, are invited to contribute to the fund as a way of celebrating the lives of Paul and Brent while directly helping to make a lasting and meaningful impact in the community for generations to come.
Pam would like to personally thank every person or organization who contributes to the Bilusack Bros. Memorial Fund. However, if you choose to make your donation “anonymous,” she will not receive your personal information and will not be able to thank you directly. Please accept this note as her heartfelt thanks for your generosity and support, and for choosing to honour the memory of her brothers alongside her.
About the Bilusack Brothers
Paul Richard Bilusack
Born on May 8, 1979, in Regina, SK, Paul was the eldest of three siblings, followed by his sister, Pam, and his brother, Brent.
Paul was the kind of big brother who set the bar high for his siblings. He could never do any wrong in his parents’ eyes, and he defined “momma’s boy” throughout his life. During his school years, Paul was an excellent student (and a teacher’s pet in every…single…class), a star pitcher on the ball field, a leading actor in school plays, a natural leader among his friends, and actively involved in many extracurricular activities. Through it all, he always found ways to show up as a big brother, taking it upon himself to both protect and embarrass his younger siblings.
As an adult, Paul found his greatest joy in being a dad and husband, followed by being a coach and mentor. In 2022, he co-created and founded Sask Swagger Fast Pitch, an organization that reflected his love for the sport, his commitment to helping others, and his passion for mentoring youth.
Paul will always be remembered for the love he had for his children and family, his contagious smile and laugh, his enjoyment of everything Christmas-related, road trips, music, sports, and food (including his talent for baking, barbecuing, smoking meats, and cooking pretty much anything). Paul’s innovative mind, along with his ability to create memorable moments with his friends and those he cared about, was always evident, especially during backyard parties at El Gallo Borracho, Paul’s legendary “bar shed” – something he put a great deal of time into building and personalizing. But above all, Paul will be remembered for the importance his faith held in his life, something that was reflected in each one of his (many) tattoos.
Brent William Bilusack
Born on July 24, 1988, also in Regina, Brent completed the Bilusack family as the youngest of the three siblings.
Brent was the epitome of the “baby of the family,” and his siblings knew it. In many ways, Brent was about as opposite of Paul as you could get. He was quiet, wasn’t particularly fond of school, and well…had a way of keeping life interesting through his mischievous and playful tactics. However, what he did have in common with Paul was a smile that could light up a room, the ability to fix or build pretty much anything, being a true momma’s boy, and a deep appreciation for his friends.
When Brent wasn’t in school, he enjoyed spending time at the family cottage, hanging out with his friends, and spending time with his beloved mini dachshund, Scrappy. Brent also enjoyed playing recreational hockey, rollerblading, playing video games, going for drives with his ear-blowing stereo blasting, going on road trips and shopping with his mom and/or siblings, or stopping by his sister’s place for a visit and a meal specially made for him.
Although Brent’s life was cut short at just 19, those years were filled with many memories that his family still cherishes and talks about today. Despite Brent’s tough outer shell, he had a huge heart and deeply cared for those close to him. The people closest to him were the ones who got to see the “real” Brent, the one who loved a good laugh and loved making people laugh. Brent’s heart really shone in his role as an uncle, and he was incredibly proud to be one. Sadly, he never had the chance to meet his youngest niece or watch any of Paul’s kids grow into the amazing people they are today. But they’ve grown up hearing stories about their Uncle Brent, and his memory continues to be a part of their lives, just as their dad’s will.
Mental Health
Brent struggled with his mental health basically his entire life and it impacted him daily in so many ways. He did his best to seek support and find answers, but ultimately, he was unable to find an effective combination of support or resources that would help him through his struggles. Despite these challenges, Brent did his best to live a life filled with laughter and moments that reflected what a deeply caring, creative, and loyal person he was.
Unlike Brent, Paul’s mental health struggles were not something that was really known about until after his passing. He was the kind of person who always wanted to be strong for his family, including his mom and sister, even if that meant his own well-being would take a back seat. Like many men, Paul quietly carried his struggles on his own. His story reminds us that mental health challenges are not always visible and how important it is to reach out for support.
Help can come in many different forms. While it can be beneficial to reach out to trusted friends and family, in some cases people need professional support such as a family physician, therapist, or, if appropriate for you, a leader at your place of worship.
Support and ways of caring for your mental wellbeing vary for everyone. It might mean talking to someone you trust, participating in counselling, joining a support group, taking prescription medication, doing self-care, physical exercise, or finding the combination of resources and coping strategies that works best for you. Together, these can become your own personal “Mental Wellbeing Toolbox”.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, contact your local mental health authority, or go to your nearest hospital or urgent care centre.
