George Gordon Wilkes

George Gordon Wilkes, in his 97th year, passed away peacefully at Wentworth Lodge on Thursday July 31st. He was predeceased by his wife Donna (MacPherson) (1984), his friend and companion Agnes Fernihough (2003) and his grandson, Stephen Wilkes (2012). Left to grieve are his 6 children, Mary Amberman (Eric-deceased) (Hamilton), Nadine Wilkes-Smith (George-deceased) (Dundas), Allan Wilkes (Hamilton), Linda Manns and Ron Manns (Stoney Creek), Dale and Vickie Wilkes (Lake Stevens, Washington) and Dan and Carol Wilkes (Bancroft). Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Robert and Janis Amberman (Tulsa,Oklahoma), David Sands (New Westminster, B.C.), Jamie and Suzanne Sands (Dundas,), Michael Manns (Hamilton), Colin and Karen Manns (Hamilton), Stephanie Wilkes (Bolton), Christopher Wilkes (Seattle, Wash), Amanda Wilkes (Seattle, Wash) , Ryan Wilkes (Dunnville) and Amber Wilkes (Bancroft), 13 great-grandchildren, 11 step-granchildren and 10 step great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 cousins Ruth Weaymouth and Bruce Jagger of Grimsby and many nieces and nephews, especially Helen and Jerry Joslin for their kindness and caring.

George, or as some people knew him, Gordon served four years overseas in the signal corps during WWII. When he returned home he worked in the family bakery perfecting the skill of decorating many a wedding cake over the years. He then worked at Westinghouse as a machine shop operator and 30 years for the Hamilton Board of Education as a stationary engineer. He was a 33rd degree Mason and a member of Dundurn Lodge for over 50 years. He and his best friend, John Manisto spent many hours traveling and visiting neighbouring lodges and those in the United States and across Canada.

He was a life-long member of the Anglican Church. Marrying at St. James the Apostle, bringing his children up at St. Peter’s and spending the last 8 years at St. James in Dundas. He was an honest, proud, hardworking man who never wavered in his responsibilities to family, church and the Masonic Order.

Many thanks to the staff of Bertram Place and Wentworth Lodge who gave him such warm and loving care in the last few years.

Friends may call at the MARLATT FUNERAL HOME “Swackhamer Chapel”, 195 King Street West, Dundas on Monday, August 4th from 2-4 & 6-8pm with a Masonic Service being held at 8pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 137 Melville Street, Dundas on Tuesday, August 5th at 1pm. Interment to follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

Donations can be made to The Masonic Foundation or St James Church, Dundas. Online condolences may be made at www.marlattfhdundas.com