George WILKINSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILKINSON: On October 11, 2009 at Brandon Regional Health Centre, with Billie, his beloved wife of 67 years at his side, George passed away peacefully, saying "I've had a good wife and a good life.”George was born April 18, 1919 in Tuxford, Saskatchewan. He went to school there and to high school and Normal school in Moose Jaw. He was attending university in Saskatoon before enlisting in the RCAF in 1941. He served two tours of operation: the first as an observer bomb-aimer, the second as navigator on the Canadian Army Commander's aircraft from D-Day to VE-Day. On September 8, 1942, he married his long time sweetheart, Billie. After the war, George worked for the Unemployment Insurance Commission (Canada Manpower) first in Moose Jaw, then Fort Frances, Swift Current and Prince Albert before moving to Brandon in 1962. George retired in 1977, and then worked for Leech Printing for 10 years.Wherever George lived and travelled, he and Billie made long lasting friendships. He was an active member of Kinsmen, K-40 and Rotary, an active member of Central United Church, a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society, and a charter member of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum. George loved to play the piano and played for Rotary meetings and at Hillcrest and Fairview personal care homes. He got great satisfaction from doing volunteer reading to the young children of Joy Hamilton's class at New Era School. He enjoyed gardening and spending time at Clear Lake. He and Billie loved to dance, skate, and play Bridge. They travelled to many countries and enjoyed winter months in Florida and California. George is survived by his wife Billie (Phyllis), daughter Lauree, son- in-law Kerry, grandchildren Jamie (Kevin) and Matthew (Courtney), brother Robert of Moose Jaw and eight nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son David in 1976. A Service of Remembrance will be held at Central United Church, 327-8th Street, on Saturday, October 17, 2009 (today) at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood and Rev. Shannon McCarthy officiating. A private family interment will take place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of George may be made to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, Box 3, Grp. 520, R.R.#5, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 5Y5 or to a charity of choice.Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 17, 2009