Obituary of Raymond Edward Wilkie

(December 1931 – December 2019), It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Raymond Edward Wilkie. Raymond was the son of the late Gerald and Gladys Wilkie. He was the devoted and loving husband of Mary for 66 years; the fun and loving Dad to his six children Robert (Teresa), Randall (Pamela), Philip (Jennifer), Susan (Robert), Bruce, Paul (Karen) and daughter-in-law Shelly. He was a much loved Granddad to Mary-Clare (Christian), Patrick, Sarah, Gregory (Suzanne), Selena (Clint), Samantha (Nick), Ian, Alana, Brian, Matthew, Julia, Suzanne, Nicholas, Vincent (Vanna), and Samantha (Geoff), and great-grandfather to Tremaine, Terrell, Asiah, and Grayson.

Raymond was a tease even when life was challenging, and his warm sense of humour was a wonderful gift to all who knew him. He is survived by many nieces and nephews; sisters and brothers-in-law, many of whom were a full part of his life. Raymond was the last surviving member of his family, and was predeceased by brother Gerald, sister Shirley, and loving daughter-in-law Laura. Raymond was involved in his church, serving his parish of Emmanuel several times as Warden and Chair of various committees. In the community, he was a leader for many years with the Scouting movement, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and the Salvation Army, and found time to serve in the Reserve Army.

Raymond spent many years involved in the Masonic Order, recently receiving his 60-year membership pin from the Keith Lodge Worshipful Master. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and a 33rd degree Mason. Raymond was a lover of nature and an avid woodsman; with a passion for trout fishing with his father, family and friends. Over the years, Peter’s Lake and Pitch Pine Lake became his favourite fishing spots. Another joy of his was taking his family camping, and when the children were older, going to the cottage he built at Molega Lake. He and Mary loved having family and friends join them at their retreat. During quiet times he loved nothing better than to read a good book. He was especially passionate about history. Raymond began his career as an electrician with Carter and Smith working in the trade for 18 years, and then teaching for 24 years at NS Institute of Technology. He was a much loved and respected teacher, and former students that he met over the years would thank him for what he had done to prepare them for their careers. Raymond was also a ‘jack of all trades’ building two houses, and a family cottage. He loved the challenge of upgrading and renovating his own home as well as helping his children with theirs. All of them learned these skills thanks to his fine example. Raymond was a dedicated sports fan, cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, regardless of their standing. He loved bowling, golf, badminton, dancing, and skating, and he and Mary skated and danced into their late years.

The family wish to thank Dr. Howard Conter, Dr. Dana Farina, and Dr. David Bell for their excellent care over the years, and the Palliative Care Team, especially Meghan and Dr. Kruger-Naud, for their help and home care. We especially want to thank Hospice Halifax and their marvelous staff who took such great care of Raymond during his final months.

Visitation will take place on Monday, December 16^th  from 2 - 4 and from 6 – 8, at J. Albert Walkers Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax. A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Anglican Church, 322 Herring Cove Road, Halifax at 1pm on Tuesday, December 17^th. Memorial donations can be made to Emmanuel Anglican Church, Spryfield, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, or Hospice Halifax.