Anthony Bugera: February 9, 1966 – May 30, 2017.
Here’s the Thing…
Anthony was born into this world fighting for his life. Similarly, and while surrounded by loved ones, Anthony left us 51 years later, still putting up the good fight
Despite the odds, nothing kept Anthony from enjoying his passions: Computers, skiing, scuba diving, sailing, photography, and role-playing games, to nBorn and raised in Kamloops, BC, in his youth, Anthony was active in the Ukrainian Orthodox church, and was a member of the Ukrainian dance group; he also excelled at violin. Graduating from Norkam Secondary in 1984, Anthony continued his studies at Cariboo College, Vancouver Community College, and the University of British Columbia. While at university, he joined Sigma Chi Fraternity. It was at Sigma Chi where Anthony developed many friendships that continued until his final days.
It didn’t take long for Anthony to develop a reputation as a Computer Guy; and he was frequently sought out for his computer programming and technical skills. It seemed only logical that Anthony parlay his computer prowess to a full-time occupation, as he worked his way in the Tech Support industry for several companies including the Richmond School District, before finally developing his own Company, Armadillo Consulting. In the midst of achieving his dreams of working in IT, Anthony found employment at Zellers Store #50 in Kamloops. It was there in 1986 that he met his future wife, Trish. She finally agreed to go out with him on the third try, and they remained together until the very end. After Anthony and Trish married in 1988, they relocated to Vancouver to continue university studies.
In 1998 Anthony and Trish welcomed their first child, Vladimyr into the world, and in 2006, daughter Oksana came along. Life continued at a busy pace with Anthony running his own business while coaching Vlad’s soccer team for several seasons; he also taught Sunday School at church. In August 2008, Anthony fell ill, and spent ten days at St. Paul’s Hospital. Anthony had been bitten by a tick, and his symptoms matched those of Lyme Disease. Anthony was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis – either way, his health was affected tremendously. Anthony was treated for Lyme, and his symptoms dissipated quite rapidly; he returned to coaching soccer, and was starting to feel good again.
As the years progressed, and as Lyme treatment was difficult to obtain, his symptoms worsened. Not one to give up, Anthony could still be found out and abut, adorned with his trademark Tilley hat, and sporting a cane. Unfortunately, Anthony’s mobility diminished, and by 2015 he was pretty much house bound. After spending six months at Vancouver General Hospital, Anthony was relocated to the George Pearson Centre in February 2016. His time at VGH and Pearson were a struggle, but alleviated by the constant help from his fraternity brothers, Dwayne, Dave, Rip, and Neil. Anthony also looked forward to weekly visits from his role-playing game group: Chris, Carrey, Brian, and Neil.
Unfortunately because he was bedridden, Anthony was susceptible to infections, and even worse, pneumonia. Despite the amazing efforts of the staff in Emergency and the 11th Floor of Pattison at VGH, this last bout of pneumonia ultimately proved too difficult to overcome.
Anthony is survived by his loving wife, Trish; his son, Vladimyr; daughter, Oksana; mother, Bella; and his brother, Wayne (Carrie). He is also survived by his grandmother, Kay Pawlyshyn, nieces, Stephanie, Chantelle, and Jessica, and nephew Ryland. Anthony is survived by many uncles, aunts and cousins. He also leaves to mourn, Spartacus, his ever-faithful canine friend.
Anthony was predeceased by his father, Myroslaw Bugera in 1989.
A prayer service will be held at Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in Vancouver (154 East 10th Avenue) on Saturday, June 3 at 6:00 pm.
A funeral has been arranged at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Kamloops (1044 8th Street) for Monday, June 5 at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Lyme Society, or the BCSPCA.