ARTHUR WILSON

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ARTHUR WILSON Arthur Wilson went to his eternal reward on January 25, 2016 following a short period of illness. Born at the farm near Deloraine, Manitoba (10-4-22) he was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Nellie Wilson, sister Muriel Mankey, brother Hartley, and also by his beloved wife and partner for 61 years, Helen. Left to mourn his loss are son Howard (Vivian) of Sioux Center, Iowa, daughter Heather (Ron) Karlenzig of Winnipeg, grandson Cory (Priscilla) Kloos of Portage la Prairie, and four granddaughters Alana (Mathieu) Manaigre of Ste. Agathe, Megan Kloos of Winnipeg, Naomi (Kevin) Nye of Pasadena, California and Bethany (Steve) Van Voorst of Sioux Center, Iowa, sister Gwen Parker of Winnipeg and numerous nephews and nieces as well as great-grandchildren Maia, Lucas, Eliot, Xavier and Lily. Arthur received his early education at the nearby rural school, Bidford. During this time a love of learning was instilled by his mother. He took grades IX and X by correspondence and completed grade XI at Kelvin High School in Winnipeg. He finished first year Agriculture at the University of Manitoba in 1939. Conditions on the farm necessitated interruption of his studies. He joined the R.C.A.F. in 1942. After trade training as an electrician and station experience at No. 17 R.C.A.F. station in Souris he was posted overseas the following year. There he was attached to No. 410 Repair and Salvage Unit of the Second Tactical Air Force. This operated in support of the Army from Juno Beach to Central Germany. Following repatriation in 1946 he commenced farming at Deloraine and recommenced his studies at the University. He moved to a farm at Oakville, Manitoba in 1947. He received his BSA degree in 1949. While living in the student residence at the university he met the love of his life, Helen Guild of Brandon, a Home Economics student. Following her graduation in 1951 they were married and commenced life together on the farm at Oakville. The following year Arthur completed his Master of Science degree at the University of Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with son Howard in 1955 and daughter Heather in 1965. They conducted a successful farming operation at Oakville raising grain, hay and potatoes. They extended their operation to Portage La Prairie in 1958. When on the farm Arthur actively participated in several farm organizations and served for a term on the Manitoba Marketing Board. As time allowed Arthur became involved in research programs sponsored by the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University. Initiation of a doctoral program by the Department spurred him to further studies. In 1965 he left the farm to join the Faculty of Agricultural Economics at the University of Saskatchewan. There he rose through the ranks to become an Associate Professor with tenure. While there he completed the requirements for his doctoral degree in 1968. He resigned from the University in 1971 to join the newly formed Canada Grains Council in Winnipeg as research economist/director. While at the Council he served on numerous research committees and was responsible for the preparation of their reports. In addition, he prepared other research materials and documents. He retired from the Council in 1984 to join the Transport Institute at the University of Manitoba to become a professor/research associate under Dr. E. W. Tyrchniewicz. While there he specialized in grain transportation research and in the process prepared several research reports. He retired in 1992 but continued to participate in the Institute and to have graduate students. Over the years the caliber of his research was recognized by his peers through awards and inclusion in professional publications. He took vicarious pleasure in the attainments of his students. Arthur was a member of the Agricultural Committee of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce for an extended period and latterly a member of the Senior Committee. He served in various capacities at Bethesda Church, being a long time member. He was Secretary of the Board of Union Gospel Mission for 20 years and remained as a member of the Corporation. He supported Providence College and Seminary and was a member of the Corporation for many years. He was a Gideon for over 40 years. Recently he attended Faith Bible Church. A service of remembrance will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 29, 2016. A private burial service will follow at the family plot at Oakville. Should friends desire, memorial contributions can be made to the Gideons (Bibles by Phone) at 1-888-482-4253 or to a charity of their choice. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2016