John Harold Wilkie

Born in Halifax, John was the son of Harold and Marian (Ryan) Wilkie. He attended Halifax schools and St. Mary’s University. He worked at MT&T for 25 years, his final position as purchasing manager. He loved cars, so after leaving MT&T, spent 20 years at Carroll Chrysler – leaving only when the dealership closed. He was a former member of the Mayflower Curling Club, volunteered at Hope Cottage, the Literacy Council and, when his sons were small, with Scouts Canada as a Scout leader. He read a book a week, and enjoyed collecting works of art, mostly of Nova Scotian artists. He also enjoyed traveling, especially the November trips to New York for theatre, fine dining and surprisingly to Macy’s for Christmas dresses for his three grandgirls. He also loved to escape the cold for a week or two, usually to the Caribbean. He was smart, well-read, mild-mannered, and loyal, especially to the people he loved.

John and his wife, Jan, were high school sweethearts, and devoted to each other. He is survived by Jan, along with his younger son Jacob; daughter-in-law Rachel Boomer; sister- and brother-in-law Paula and Eric Cashen (Markham); and special cousin Lorraine Balsor (Kentville). He will be greatly missed by his cherished granddaughters: Julia, Maya and Claire Wilkie. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Jonathan, and by his parents.

John will be intered at Gate of Heaven cemetery in September, after which there will be a gathering for family and close friends.

If you’d like to remember John, please make a donation in his memory to the Apple Tree Foundation, which supports the important work of the Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre. Donations can be mailed to 1349 County Home Rd., PO Box 128, Waterville, NS, B0P 1V0, or by calling 902-538-3103, ext. 854.