John David Wilkie

David was an avid thrill seeker. A “play hard, work hard” kind of guy. His favourite pastimes included riding miles and miles dirt biking through the wilderness in the spring and fall (the muddier, the better), in the winter snowmobiling those same trails, and in the summer waterskiing barefoot at the family cottage. He also had a unusual drive to chop wood with either an axe or chainsaw for hours on end. The cottage was always well stocked for kindling if David was around.

David was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had a kind heart and was a loyal friend. He was clever and funny with a fantastic memory for off colour jokes guaranteed to evoke eye rolling, groans or full on belly laughing reactions. He had an amazing talent for solving complex puzzles and mechanical problems that others were stumped by. He put this talent to use while working for IBM and later at Home Depot.

He is survived by his brother Ralph, sister Norma, nephews Jamie, Peter, Sasha and niece Lisa. We take great comfort in knowing that David is finally at peace, free from the frustrations and silence of deafness, the unrelenting droning of tinnitus and his struggle with alcohol. He will be missed dearly.

In typical David style, no formal services are planned. The family will privately gather to celebrate his life, share stories and toast his life. A donation, at his request, will be made to Kingston Rd United “Raise the Roof” fund.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackdanforth.com for the Wilkie family.