It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Arthur Wilkins beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Art was born January 20, 1938 in Edmonton, Alberta.
He was the youngest of the three Wilkins brothers who grew up on Boyle Street. George, Art’s oldest brother and Jack, his older cousin became important role models for both Art and Raymond who lost their Dad, Arthur, too early in their lives. All three boys were forced into working jobs earlier than most children their age in order to help their Mom, Julia, make ends meet. Art’s best memories as a youngster included playing hockey at the outdoor rink with the neighborhood kids that included the likes of Norman Ullman, and walking down the train tracks to nearby Clark Stadium to watch Jackie Parker and the Edmonton Eskimos practice football from the sidelines. Special occasions were celebrated by family outings to Northlands Park to watch the horse races. Art graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1955 before attending the University of Alberta, graduating with a BSc degree in Geology in 1959. It was there that Art met the first true love of his life, Lois, and together they shared many a good time with their classmates. He often joked about what a Calgary girl from Scarborough could possibly see in an Edmonton boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
Art and Lois were inseparable, married on September 30, 1963 and made Calgary home. Together, they proudly raised their two children, Bruce and Stephanie, alongside many close neighbors and friends in the community of Braeside before designing and building their forever home in Oakmount Estates. After starting his career with Hudson’s Bay Oil and Gas Company, Art joined TransCanada Pipelines where he quickly climbed the corporate ladder, eventually becoming a long standing officer of the company. He enjoyed including his family on many business conventions he attended around the world. During his tenure, he was also responsible for starting up the subsidiary TCPL Resources in Sydney, Australia. His residence in North Bridge became his home away from home for the better part of two years. Art retired in 1994 but continued to be active in the oil and gas community and quickly started his own private company. He served as chairman of the Canadian Gas Potential Committee from 1995-1997. Art and Lois shared a passion traveling the globe but Art often commented his best holidays were spent working on the family cabin on Shuswap Lake. There he watched his children, nephews and nieces grow up, played cards late into the night and competed at the annual family golf tournament.
Recently, Art was very fortunate to find the second love of his life Myrna. Art and Myrna’s new life together centered around enjoying the company of their children and grandchildren in both Victoria and Calgary. Sadly, these plans were prematurely cut short. We will all remember Art for his strong will, keen intelligence, love of animals and above all devotion to family. The world has lost a kind hearted, extraordinary man.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Lois; parents, Arthur and Julia; his brothers, George and Raymond; and his cousin, Jack. Art leaves to mourn his passing his second wife, Myrna; his son, Bruce (Cate); his daughter, Stephanie (John); four grandchildren, Ashleigh, Mark, Julianne and John Arthur as well as a large circle of friends and extended family.
Art’s family would like to thank the Cardiac team of doctors and nurses at the Rockyview and Foothills Hospitals in Calgary and more recently the Cardiac and Renal units at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. We also offer sincere gratitude to Pastor William Hann of St. Joseph the Worker Parish. Father William’s spiritual guidance, wisdom and kindness helped Art find the strength to move forward and be at peace with his final journey.
Prayers and visitation will take place on Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 PM at Sequoia Gardens located at 4665 Falaise Drive in Victoria, BC. All are welcome to attend. Funeral mass will follow on Friday, April 24 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph the Worker Parish located at 753 Burnside Road West. A memorial mass and tribute will also take place in Calgary on a date to be confirmed at Holy Spirit Parish located at 10827 – 24 Street S.W.
If so desired, memorial tributes can be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Alberta Children’s Hospital or the SPCA.
Condolences to the family may be offered below.
Sequoia Gardens Memorial
www.sequoiagardens.com
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Frances Remes
Although I only knew Art for a short time, he touched my heart with his warm smile! My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Rest peacefully.