Ryan Desbois

Ryan Curtis Gordon Desbois, of Pinawa Manitoba, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at the age of 43. Our family is devastated and shocked by the loss. To sum up Ryan’s life in only a few paragraphs would be an impossible task, but it is one we are still willing to try. Ryan was born on June 12, 1980 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Monique Bilecki (Desbois).

Ryan moved to Flin Flon in June of 1989 and then to Pinawa in July of 1996. Anyone who knew Ryan knew that he was the most loving grandson/son/father/brother a family could ask for. Ryan was predeceased by his grandfather, Rheal Desbois and grandmother, Donna Bilecki. He is survived by his grandmother Lois Desbois, grandfather Anton (Tony) Bilecki, mother Monique, father Brian, son Braedyn, partner Laura, sister Amber, brother-in-law Stephen, niece Ellie, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

After Ryan graduated from Pinawa Secondary School in 1998, he started his career with AECL/CNL/WL. Ryan’s first opportunity with AECL was as a Contamination Monitor. After gaining some radiation experience in the Respirator Lab and Decontamination Center, Ryan successfully became a Group 1 Radiation Safety Surveyor and was promoted to Senior Radiation Surveyor. Ryan enjoyed the field of Radiation Protection. However, when an opportunity to move into Occupational Health and Safety presented itself, Ryan ventured into a new role as a Safety Specialist. Ryan enjoyed the variety of work and the thrill of learning new skills AECL offered and wanted to equip himself with as much knowledge and experiences as possible. Ryan successfully completed a two year Certificate Program with the University of New Brunswick. Ryan worked as a Safety Specialist for eight years before he was promoted to Section Head of the Health Safety Services Branch in 2021.

Ryan was a force of nature. His family and friends meant more to him than anything else in the world—something he often mentioned. Ryan was unendingly proud of his son Braedyn and always tried his best to support him. Ryan knew life was short and so he didn’t hesitate to buy ‘the things.’ Ryan was an avid collector of limited-edition hats, trendy sunglasses, stylish watches, and new release sneakers. Ryan always did what he loved and his hobbies included attending concerts and music festivals, watching NFL games (Go Vikings Go), traveling and exploring the world, trying new restaurants, pubs, and bars, snowboarding, driving fast sports-cars, watching movies, and the occasional glamping/staycation. Ryan lived the most amazing adventure we call life. Most recently, Ryan became passionate about decorating his house for Halloween. Leading up to Halloween night, Ryan’s house was on full display. Ryan once said “everyone dies, but not everyone lives.” Ryan’s life was cut short, but he lived a fun-filled life.

Please bear with us while we coordinate and plan a celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, the organization where Ryan’s step-doghter Presley was adopted.