In his 91st year, Kenneth Wilkinson passed away peacefully at home on July 30th, 2011 surrounded by the love of his family. In the shadow left by this wonderful man lay countless lives and groups forever changed and pathways carved where none had been before.
Born April 24, 1921, in Toronto, the eldest of three children, Ken enjoyed a vibrant childhood, participating in countless community groups where his life of service began in roles including that of King Scout and church youth group leader. He enhanced his education by attending radio college and this expertise was integrated immediately after joining the Navy 1943 where he served working on the radar system in Newfoundland. While on a pass visiting Halifax, Ken met the love of his life, “Puzz”, and they married December 14, 1944. With his Navy service behind him, Ken began his work life at Northern Electric in Halifax where his natural leadership and further specialized education led to promotions and career opportunities that would ultimately take him to countries around the world and back. His career would involve moving to Winnipeg, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Hong Kong, Boston and Puerto Rico prior to establishing his retirement residence in Beach Meadows, Nova Scotia.
Consistent themes evolved regardless of where Ken and his family were living. Primary among them was Ken’s gift for friendship and the skill for using the unique features of any community as a way to celebrate those friendships. It might have been throwing curling rocks, racing sailboats or touring around the South China Sea in his sailing junk. Always during Ken’s working life there was ample time to explore, find adventure and celebrate life regardless of the location or methods used.
Ken demonstrated an unusual version of retirement living. Once his professional career came to a close and he was able to establish a longer term presence within the Queens County community, he discovered a new vocation in a life of service. An immediate interest in municipal politics began with a wish to save a local school. This evolved to his participation on Council as a counselor and Deputy Warden for twelve years. During this same period, he served as President of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. Additionally, Ken offered leadership to countless community groups and Boards including roles as Founding Chair of the Queens Community Health Association, the Queens Community Health Board, the Coffin Island Lighthouse Heritage Society, and the Seaside Recreation and Community Centre. He served as a Board Member for Queens General hospital, Queens County Museum, Queens District School Board, Queens Manor Homes for Special Care and Emmanuel United Church. He was the recipient of many awards for his service including Volunteer of the Year for Queens County.
Ken continues to serve even after his passing by offering his body to assist with the advancement of medical education and research at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
Survived by his three children, daughters Lyn Oakley (Sherman) Eagle Head, Carol Wilkinson (Jim Pickard), Toronto and son Brian (Dale Webber), Montreal. Sadly missed for his playful, loving spirit by his grandchildren Doug (Juli), Afghanistan/Texas, Kathy, Liverpool, Jeremy, Rossland, B. C., Mark, Seoul, S. Korea, and Michael, Montreal and great grandchildren Abe and Deena of Liverpool and Katelyn, Spencer and Bailey of Texas. Also a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Audrey “Puzz” (Wharton), brothers Ivan and George.
Funeral service will be Thursday, August 4th, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. from Emmanuel United Church, Beach Meadows. Lay Minister Peter Anthony officiating. A reception will be held in the Beach Meadows Hall following the service. The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to Dr. Tim Woodford for the friendship and care provided to Ken and the extraordinary compassion and guidance extended to family. Those wishing to make a donation in Ken’s memory are invited to support the Queens General Hospital Foundation, P. O. Box 370, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com.
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Corrie and Mike lockwood
Sorry to hear of Ken’s passing our hearts go out to you all
BRENDA LAWRENCE
so sorry to hear about ken. he was such a great community person , he will be missed by all especially his dedicated family .. he was involved in so many orginizations . he certainly earned the volunteer of year award for queens county . thinking of you all at this sad time .audrey will be greeting ken with open arms . they were meant for each other . a great couple to have known. sincerely brenda lawrence.
Bonnie Wentzell
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Our condolences to the famly.
Bonnie
Raymond Baron
It was with great sadness to hear about the passing of a fine person as Ken. I spent a few moments with him when we met. It was a great pleasure talking to fine gentlemam. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Ray Baron
Karalee (Colp) Kromko
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing, he was a great man. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karalee Colp-Kromko
Patty Johnston
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. We only met a couple of times but our time spent together was rich with stories and laughter. Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father. Love from Patty and Paul.
Don and Vi Mackenzie
Sorry to hear of Kens passing, but what a wonderful legacy of family and service to leave behind.
Our deepest sympathy to Ken’s family at this time of sorrow.
Tish Fisher
Sherman & Lynn, sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I knew him such a short time but could easily tell what kind of a good man he had been. You were so lucky to have had him all these years ! Bess wishes to all your Family . Sincerely, Tish.
Isaura DaPonte /John Mansfield and Family
A man who will forever be rememberd for his smile, and the ability to make a grown woman feel like one of his grandkids…To the family of Ken Wilkinson, our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
Kerrie Kent
I’m sure I speak for all D#7 alumni when I say a little piece of him lives in all of us. The Beach Meadows of my childhood would not have been the same without him…whether in a suit looking official or up on a roof somewhere…he was always around, always smiling and always interested.
Thank you Ken, for sharing your light with all of us…our lives and our community are the richer for it. You will be missed.
With fondest memories, Kerrie Kent
Nancy and Earl Lawrence
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ken. He was a wonderful man and we considered him a friend indeed. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Tim McDonald
Sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. My condolences to the family.
Beverley & Betty-Jean Colp
Our deepest sympathy to all of Ken’s family. We have all lost a fine gentleman, leader and mostly a great friend. We will always remember him. God bless you all.
Shirley and Paul Neals
So very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.
“Puzz” is there to welcome him with open arms. He will be as loved in Heaven as he was on Earth!
God bless you all!
Robyn Bertling
I have always considered Ken to be a friend. We rented from Ken many moons ago in his cabin by the beach, and quickly learned that he was so much more than a landlord. Intelligent, sincere, caring, hard working (we will always see visions of him in the car pulling that cart filled with whatever project he was working on), and so intelligent and witty. He touched our hearts and perhaps did not know the full extent of what he meant to so many people. He was looked at with an astounding sense of awe for all he had accomplished and somewhat represented what our community really was. When people forgot what living here was all about, you could look at Ken’s pride in where he lived and the things he did on a daily basis and only aspire to be part of who he was. He was amazing. I’m certain you are all aware of what he means to so many people. He will be missed, sincerely. There will really be noone else quite like him. Instead of sympathy, I am offering celebration to all of you for having been blessed to have him in your lives. He is fondly thought of, and will always be remembered. Robyn and Ole Bertling
bren ridley
Our family has lost a great man. My Uncle Ken. We loved him dearly. I am feeling more sorrow now, than when my own father, Ken’s brother, passed eight yrs ago.
Uncle Ken was there, to help my Mom through those terrible first days. I’m comforted knowing, all souls near and dear, to both Uncle Ken and Aunt Puzz, are together at this time.
Even tho miles have separated us for many decades, I hurt knowing I will never feel his arms around me. No, that’s wrong. I feel his arms around me right now, telling me to be strong and that everything will be all right.
He is within me. Now and always.
Margo & Roger Murley
Dear Lyn & Sherman and all Ken’s family and friends,
We send you our deepest sympathy for your terrible loss. We greatly enjoyed working with and getting to know Ken. There is a deep sense of loss for all who knew him. His contributions and love for family and community will live on through those whose lives he touched. May you find comfort through the love and support of your family and friends.
Bill and Joanne Thrasher
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. His smile and many stories that he shared at our family get togethers will never be forgotten. The plant that he gave me is flowering for the first time this summer. When the Christmas pudding is being made he will be another person that I will think of.
Bill and Joanne
Andrew Wilkins
My sincere condolences to Brian and family.
Jean Strum
The family of the late Ken Wilkinson:
Please accept my sincere sympathy at the loss of Ken. I am sorry I will not be able to attend his memorial. I worked with Ken on the Health Board and several committees. His leadership and interest will certainly be missed. I know he will be sadly missed by you, the family, and all who knew him.
Sincerely,
Jean Strum
Verghese Family
Despite meeting Mr. Wilkinson only once, I was inspired by his independence. I am honored to know Mr. Wilkinson’s son , Brian, and grandson Michael. Only a great man could have produced children and grandchildren of such outstanding character. Sincere condolences to the entire Wilkinson Family.
Nancy Kingsbury and Frank Vajda
To Carol, Family, and All Who Loved Ken: Frank and I feel privileged to have known and been a part of Ken’s life. His social awareness and kindness to all was a gift we will always treasure. Being known as his “Toronto friends,” was a point of pride with all of us. Thank you, Ken, for all the wonderful memories of our time together. You will be with us always.
Andre
A little word to tell Brian and the familly that we think hard about you at this difficult time. I offer our sincere condolences!
Our thoughts are with you.
Nitcheu Family
Bill Phillips Halifax
My association with Ken goes back to the ’50’s era when Ken was in the lighting dept of Northern Electric. Ken’s ability and talents subsequently led to an offer from Sylvania and he was off to Montreal. I knew that Ken’s abilities led him to new and important responsibilities in Asia and we lost contact. Then I heard he had retired and had taken up residence in Beach Meadows. Several years following my wife and I were weekend guests of friends in the area and I took the opportunity to visit. That was the last time we were face to face but I have followed with great interest the many contributions he has made to Queens Co and the province. My recollection of Ken is that he was a gentleman.
Claudia Matus
My sincere condolences to Brian and family.
Susan Nowe
I served for close to 10 years on the executive of the Queens Community Health Board and the Community Health Association with Ken and was totally in awe of the man.His intelligence,his wit,his work ethic,his compassion for his fellow man and his willingness to go above and beyond for those in need are characteristics seldom seen in our world.His legacy will live on for eternity.We have lost a very special person and I will think of him frequently.
I would also like to pass on my favourite Ken story.He had called my home one day when I was out.When I got home my husband told me of the call.When I asked if he had left a message my husband grinned.”I told him you were out on the ATV checking rabbit snares and he was still laughing when he hung up”
Now they are both gone,and probably both looking down and still laughing at me.
Susan Nowe
Rick and Jacquie Sands, Mabel Kinsley
We are all saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. Although we only had the pleasure of meeting Ken a few times in the last several years, each time was a real treat. His warmth and genuine interest in our lives is, I see, reflected over and over again in all of these wonderful tributes and the impact he clearly had on so many lives. To Carol, Jim and the rest of Ken’s family, our deepest condolences. Our hearts go out to you.
Cathy & Georges de Rome
Lyn and family,
We send our condolences to all the family. Ken certainly never was one to sit back and let others do the work. Take comfort in all the wonderful memories you have.
The Wentzell/Fralic families
We would like to extend our heartfelt condolence on Ken’s passing. Ken certainly led a full life and positively touched many, including our family. He will be fondly remembered .
Kathleen and Ron
Dear Lyn and family,
We send you our deepest sympathy in the loss of a great man, your dad. He was so generous, so sharing, so appreciative and always made time for an exchange of thoughts. We will especially miss the smile that came to his face when, on occasions, we dropped off a plate of sweets.
Unfortunately a prior commitment prevents us from being with you in person tomorrow but you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen and Ron. Doris also sends you her love; your dad and mom meant so much to her.
Joan Fillmore
My deepest sympathies to the family. I met Ken while he was a board member on the District Health Authority representing Queens, and I covered the Board meetings for CKBW Radio. Ken was very passionate about Queens General. He was well liked and respected by the other Board members and most gracious to the media. I remember him fondly.
Linda (Mossman) & Robert Trainor
Dear Lynn and families,
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I first met Ken when he was a counselor with the Municipal govenment. I worked as a Case Aide with Community Services, which met with the counselors monthly to review Welfare cases.
After reading his obituary, you learn so much about a person’s life. His was full of a variety of choses. What a wonderful life he led.
He will be missed by all who knew. They are once again together watching over those left here on earth, waiting for us to come home someday.
God Bless you all. My prayers are with you all at this time of sadness.
Linda
Val & John Kempton
To the family – We send our sympathy on your loss.
Schade family
Brian,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss. Rest assured that his presence has had a positive impact on many many people.
Clarke and Belinda Delong
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.And I know we will miss our good neighbour we have had for the last 32 plus years.
Francis And Peggy Payzant
To The Family Of A Great Man (Ken)
We Extend Our Deepest Sympathy To Each One Of You. We Were So Saddened To Hear Of Mr. Wilkinson”s Passing. Francis will Surely Miss Him Coming in For His Hair-Cut, And I will miss seeing him into Sobey’s for his Groceries. May he rest in peace along with his Loved One.
Francis And Peggy Payzant!!!!!
Donna Gehue
Lyn and family, please accept our condolences on the passing of your Dad, and Granddad. I enjoyed your video, it reminded me so much of my own family. I can tell from your video you have a very close family as we did, parents and grandparents so caring and into everything their children do. There is such a void in my life now as I am sure you will experience as well. Take strength in each other, God Bless.
Donna
Bob Pelchat
My sincerest condolences to Brian and all the Wilkinson family.
Rock Pinard
On behalf of the entire Socotek team, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to the family & friends Mr. Wilkinson.
Rock Pinard
President
Socotek
Susan Letson
Lyn and family
Please accept my condolences on the death of your father.
Your neighbour Susan
Alethia Keating & family
We was so sorry to hear that Ken has passed away. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all .
Heather Cook
Lynn and family:
I was so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing … he left an indeliable mark on the community, and has left behind a lasting legacy because of his good works. I had the pleasure of knowing Ken (and Audrey too).
Ted Dickie
I most remember Ken, as our neighbour in the cabin across from ours at Beach Meadows.Although he never lived there; he was always there with his rider mower or chainsaw. Ken, only knew one speed: fast and to the point. But, he always had time for a lively discussion on politics,current events or community affairs.Ken, always had “his view” on the above,but he listened to yours and offered a rebuttal in a nice way, I, sought his views on politics and what was best for those less fortunate in our country.I, myself come from the left of the political spectrum.In the last election campaigns; I was more than pleased to see an NDP sign make it’s appearance on Ken’s property. I,would like to believe that I played a “small part” in putting it there.But, I know that as in all things,Ken, came to his views of his own volition.Ken, will be dearly missed for all that he did for his adopted community: Beach Meadows.In, conclusion,Ken, may the wind always be in your sails as you chart a course to your next harbour. You,and I ,always shared a love of the beach,and that wonderful vista from Coon’s RockOur condolences to all of your family.You will be much missed by all. Randi and Ted Dickie.
Paul and Mary Lou Smith
Mrs. Wilkinson and family,
Our deepest condolences and sympathy to you at this time in the passing of Ken.
Ken was very dedicated to helping his community and county as he gave many years of service in Municipal council. We are sure this extended in all other areas of his life.
Dad (Stan) and Ken worked many years together in council and through Dad was able to meet Ken on occasions through the years.
May your days ahead be filled with many fond memories and Ken lived a life with dignity and service to others.
May the blessings be.
Marguerite Turner
Sincere sympathy from Margurite Turner and her daughter Susan ( halifax.) We were next door neighbours on Connaught Ave for a few years as well as going to Oxford Street United Church.
Philip & Rose Decker
Dear Lynn and families;
Our sincere condolences to you and your families in the passing of your Dad. He will be a miss to the comnunity and all who knew him.
I will miss his christmas cards and note he always wrote to me as well.
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Philip and Rose Decker