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WILKINSON, Gerald William


It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father, and Boppa. Born September 25, 1934 in Bede, Manitoba, he slipped silently into the arms of the Lord on September 9, 2014 with his family at his side, after a long battle with COPD. He was just shy of his 80th birthday. Predeceased by his mother Mame and infant son Jay (1961); his father Allan (1993); his sister Audrey Lovelace and son-in-law Jim Kyle (1998). Gerry & Donna loved to dance, and were members of the Buttons & Bows and Seaside Swingers Square Dancing Clubs for many years. They also loved to travel, including California 3 times, Hawaii, drove right across Canada, Branson MO, and cruises through the Panama Canal & to Alaska. Gerry was a very talented musician & singer, having mastered 5 instruments and playing in the family band by age 11.

He moved with his new bride to White Rock in 1958. He retired in 1999 after 25 years with Surrey School Board. He was also a long time member of White Rock Elks & Crescent Legion. Woodworking, music, laughing, and being Boppa were his greatest passions. We'll miss the twinkle in his eye, his quirky sense of humor, and his big heart. Gerry leaves to mourn Donna, his loving wife of almost 57 years; 2 daughters Tammey Maki of Langley, and Lana Long (Geordie) of Mission; loving grandchildren Jeffrey, Aaron, Vanessa and Kalleigh Maki of Langley; brother Doug (Nelda) and sister Nadine Gillander of Melita MB; sister-in-law Faye Harvie of White Rock; brother-in-law Larry Grierson of New Denver BC; as well as many nieces and nephews in BC and Manitoba. A special thanks to PAH 4th floor nurses Monica & Louise, for making his final hours more bearable for us all. A Celebration of Gerry's life will be held Wed Oct 1 at 1:30 at Crescent Legion, 2643 - 128 St, Surrey. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, 15521 Russell Ave, White Rock V4B 2R4 in his memory would be appreciated.