Anthony Joseph Kilyanek of Colstrip, Montana, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2017 at the age of 71. Born on June 12, 1945, to Anthony Paul and Lucille (Cosgrove) Kilyanek of Duryea, Pennsylvania, Tony was the first of their five children.
The Kilyaneks relocated to Garden City, Michigan when Tony was quite young. He relished his role as a big brother and naturally assumed a strong sense of responsibility for his young siblings after the death of his mother. Tony carried those strong feelings of love and responsibility for them until the end.
In 1967, Tony married Karen Newman. The young couple settled into their life in Livonia, Michigan, and soon welcomed their daughter Brooke who was a constant source of pride for Tony throughout his life. Meanwhile, he continued his education, earning his BA in 1968 and his MA in 1970 from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. For many years, Tony taught Science and Chemistry in the Wayne Memorial, Ecorse, and Westland school districts in Michigan.
In 1996, Tony left his life in Michigan and began a new chapter in Lame Deer, Montana. There, Tony taught Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Science at Lame Deer High School on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. In 1999, Tony married Alison Legg. In 2001, they settled in nearby Colstrip and welcomed their daughter Michaela.
Tony was widely respected by his students who affectionately called him “Mr. K.” Students appreciated his love for science and his sense of humor that lifted every lesson above the ordinary. In 2003, Tony’s heart was broken when his declining health forced him to give up his life as a teacher.
Tony found solace in his new role: stay-at-home dad. Michaela was his pride and joy and he loved and excelled at this new adventure. He and young Micki would spend their days taking nature walks and, ultimately, becoming inseparable. One of Micki’s special memories of her dad is of the day they saved a turtle’s life. They found a turtle in the gas station parking lot. They carefully loaded him into the truck, drove him to Castle Rock Lake, released him into the water, and watched him safely swim away.
Although pain and illness eventually ravaged Tony’s body, he never lost his sense of humor. He touched many lives during his time on this earth. Tony will be remembered fondly as a husband, a father, a brother, a friend, and an educator.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Steven and Paul.
He is survived by his wife Alison and daughter Michaela of Colstrip, Montana; daughter Brooke Kilyanek and grandchildren Sanna and Karl of Ann Arbor, Michigan; sister Kathleen (Gerald) Morgan of Redford, Michigan; sister Mary Lou (Frank) Morreale of Garden City, Michigan; sister-in-law Debbie (Steven) Kilyanek of Redford, Michigan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth, Montana, for making Tony as comfortable as possible during his final months. They would also like to thank his dear friend Charley Ames who selflessly cared for Tony during his final years.
As per Tony’s wishes, he will be cremated and no services will be performed.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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marina mitchell says
So sorry to hear about Tony. He will be missed, just have to remember him when he was healthy and happy. Many condolences to you and yours Allison.
Mitchells
Georgia/George Bement says
So sorry for your loss and Mickie,I’ll always remember him at school and the concession. He was a good friend he’ll be missed but no more pain .Prayer to you and Mickie
Ana Rodriguez says
Sorry to hear of his passing, he was my fav high school science teacher always making us laugh and his teachings were always fun.
Pamela Spang says
So sorry to hear about your loss! May God keep his hand on you
Bonnie W. Bigback says
Allyson and family, I was so sorry to learn of Tony’s passing. I will keep you all in my prayers. Please let me know if you need anything and I can help.
Karl Hossner says
Sorry to hear about Tony. One of my first friends when I came to teach at Lame Deer. Always remember our first years here and the times we all had. Miss him.
pat & george riedel says
Allison and Mickey, so sorry to hear about Tony. he was a great guy and he will be missed. thinking about you
Deb Glass says
Alison, so sorry. I know how hard it is to lose a husband. Prayers and thoughts with you and your daughter.
Natalie Thiex says
Brooke and family – I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I still remember doing horsehair Raku with him and Jane. My own dad couldn’t believe that we cut his horses’ tail hair in order to make pottery!
Take care my friend and know that we are thinking about you.
Rev. Shawn McAlpine says
Allison and Micky, I was just thinking about Tony the other day when I was going through Colstrip and wondering how he was doing. I happened to be looking at this site for a funeral in Ashland that I am a part of tomorrow. I enjoyed my conversations with Tony about spiritual things and hearing about his interesting and diverse life. I know that he was especially intrigued by Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known.” RSV. Let Connie and I know if there is anything we can do to be of help to you both.
Bev becker says
I knew tony back in 1970’s in michigan..we both made pottery and my x husband taught school with karen. He made beautiful pottery and loved making glazes. I’m happt to hear he found happiness again and to hear of another daughter. He had a lot of talents. I hope those who loved him are doing well, and find happiness again.