VERNON GREGORY WILKINSON
April 19, 1931
February 24, 2013
Vern passed away peacefully beside his beloved wife Isabel on Sunday, February 24 at the age of 81 after experiencing increased lung deterioration due to pulmonary fibrosis. Vern, the youngest of 7 children was born in Prince Albert, to Leonard and Emma Wilkinson. He was raised on the family homestead in the Lily Plain District and attended Lily Plain School. His early years were spent on the farm and included caring for hundreds of sheep with his sister Maude and their faithful canine companions. In his adult years, although Vern’s passion was farming, his career at Imperial Oil was also fulfilling and spanned 34 years; 10 years driving fuel truck, 14 years at the bulk plant and the last 10 years operating Vern’s Jiffy Esso. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and spending time on the farm either helping relatives at harvest time or raising feeder cattle in his retirement. During the summer months Vern spent countless hours on the land that he loved. Before hip surgery Vern was a familiar sight on the dance floor, enjoying a good polka and taking any opportunity to dance with his daughters. Vern enjoyed curling, good food and visiting with friends as well as having the opportunity to drive a variety of vehicles throughout the Prairie Provinces for Lakeland Ford. Most of all he cherished each and every member of his family. In his later years Vern came to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. This resulted in both he and Isabel spending countless hours in prayer, specifically for family and friends. Some of Vern’s final words to Isabel were “I love you, and thank you for all you’ve done for me….I’ll be waiting for you in heaven.” Vern is survived by his wife of 56 years: Isabel (nee Wiebe); four daughters: Debbie (Louis) Ogrodnick, Sherry (Don) Garand, Karen Messier, Arlene (Mike) Hachey; ten grandchildren: Laurie (Kurt) Rasmussen, Kristy (Jim) Green, Michael Ogrodnick (Melissa Sommervill), Dalyn Garand, Melanie Garand, Tamara Messier, Marisa Messier, Scott (Alysha) Hachey, Kelly Hachey, Jaclyn Hachey; three great-grandchildren: Kenna Brown (Green), Tyler Green, Isaac Rasmussen; sister: Maude Neudorf; numerous nieces and nephews. Vern was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Emma Wilkinson; siblings: Bill, Jack, Tom, Dorothy (Wilkins) and Jim. A Funeral Service celebrating Vern’s life will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2:00 p.m. at the Alliance Church 2777 – 6th Avenue West, with Pastor Mark Bergen officiating. Interment will take place in the Garden of the Last Supper, Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Association in memory of Vern. Family and friends may view the obituary and sign the guest book at www.riverparkfuneral.ca. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Colette Kadziolka, Funeral Director.
 

• Date : 2013-02-24 06:00:00