Kenneth “Ken” James Wilkinson, formerly of Kincardine, died peacefully, lovingly attended by his wife, Bonnie, Thursday, June 17, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospice. He was 81. Beloved husband of Bonita (Bonnie) Wilkinson for 60 years. Loving father of Janice (Wade), Julie (Mike), David, and Darrin (Amy). Cherished grandfather of Meghan, Wyatt, Kelsey, Ashlea, Corey, Joscelyne, Matthew, Kaleigh, Sara, and Joey. Treasured great-grandfather of Maddy, Joel, Hudson and Coen. Dear brother of Dorothy (Ken) Drury. Predeceased by his parents, Russel and Jean Wilkinson; and by his granddaughter, Kristie Wilkinson. Ken was committed to serving the communities he lived in, as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Point Edward, an ambulance attendant in his adopted hometown of Kincardine, and being a lifetime charter member of the Kincardine Lions Club, in addition to participating in many other community activities. He received many awards and recognition for his dedication to fire and safety training in his position as safety training officer during his employment at Ontario Hydro, but he was most proud to be a recipient of the Order of St. John from the Governor General of Canada. Following his retirement from Ontario Hydro, Ken was very excited and pleased to accept a contract firefighter training position in Abu Dhabi where he was able to share his knowledge, experience and warm Canadian sense of humour internationally. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched, wherever he may have lived. Ken’s wish was to be cremated and for a private family service to be held. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Canadian Lung Association, St. Joseph’s Hospice or the Inn of the Good Shepherd (cheques only at the funeral home please); arrangements entrusted to the Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent on-line at www.smithfuneralhome.ca |