CHARLES WILKINSON (WILKIE) COLLINS

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CHARLES WILKINSON (WILKIE) COLLINS July 20, 1920 September 20, 2014 Wilkie Collins passed away on September 20, 2014 at the age of 94 years. He was born and went to school in Brandon, Manitoba. He served in the Canadian Army from June 1940 to October 1945 in the Royal Canadian Artillery and Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, serving overseas in England and in the Italian Campaign. He was always proud of his military life and shared photos with many people. After discharge Wilkie lived and worked in Winnipeg with extensive travel to N. Saskatchewan and N. Alberta. He joined General Foods in 1948 in Sales and Sales Management until retiring in 1985. Wilkie was well known in the grocery business throughout Manitoba. He had many interests in life especially in the great outdoors hunting, fishing, bee keeping and travelling across Western Canada. Wilkie was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed curling at the Granite for many years. He was a member of the Gyro Club of Winnipeg serving as President in 1986/1987. He thoroughly enjoyed the friendships and Gyro activities. Wilkie made many friends during his 40 years living in Summerland and was a strong supporter of the Jazz community in Winnipeg. Often called "The Senator", he was a true friend well known for his quick wit and love of people. His favorite song was "I Wish You Love". In recent years, his favorite day was Sunday enjoying outings and lunch with Patrick Rathwell. Wilkie is survived by his dearest love and partner, Carole Serpanchy-Collins; daughters, Linda (Stewart) Paterson, Donna (Ernie) Lohrenz, Andrea Collins and step-daughters, Cheryl Serpanchy and Jen (Pio) Pilimai; grandchildren Tara and David (Claire) Lang, Chris and Steve Lohrenz, Keaton, Khalae and Kiri-Te Pilimai; great-grandchild Lily and his special niece Marilyn Shurb and her family. At Wilkie's request there will be no service, preferring a private family gathering at later date. His family and friends will treasure Wilkie's memory of all the good times. If you wish, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 27, 2014