With sadness for the loss and gratitude for the life, we announce the sudden passing of Clark Fred Wilkie in Victoria, British Columbia. Clark was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 1, 1938 to Irma and Rudolph Wilkie. In early childhood, he was raised by his mother in Ridgeville Corners, Ohio and after her passing in 1947, cared for by his stepfather William Rosebrock. Clark attended high school and college in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 1964. It was his good fortune to marry his beloved Margaret Fischer on June 23, 1963 and afterwards, they built a beautiful life together. Upon graduation, Clark was called to serve as Pastor for parishes in Atikokan and Thunder Bay, Ontario. He obtained a degree in Social Work and served as a social worker for the Ontario Community of Social Services, then as an instructor at Confederation College in Thunder Bay. Subsequently, Clark took an administrative position in the Social Service department at the College where he finished his career. After several years of retirement, he and Margaret relocated to Victoria, BC in 2012.
Clark’s faith and his church were very important to him. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and boating. His other passions included curling, baseball, playing his guitar, and advocating for Indigenous relations and reconciliation. Clark and Margaret enjoyed travelling and trekked across Canada several times in their life together. Wherever he went, Clark told a good story.
Clark is predeceased by his daughter, Maria, in 2017. He is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Margaret, sons Timothy and Matthew (Meesh), son-in-law Kevin Couture and grandchildren, Samantha (Austin) Hager and James Wilkie.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers in Emergency and ICU at Royal Jubilee Hospital.
We feel blessed for having had Clark in our lives.
A Christian Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, January 7 at 1:30 p.m. to be held at Lutheran Church of the Cross. A celebration of Clark’s life will be planned in the Spring. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com.
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Erick & Sharon Rantala
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Alice Clark Dear Margaret, Tim, Matthew and family
I was so fortunate to have been confirmed by Pastor Wilkie and then had the pleasure of working with him at the college. He was a kind and caring soul with the best sense of humour and was dearly loved by students and colleagues!
Thinking of you all
Alice Clark
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Max and Sharon Beyak Dear Marge and family,
We were saddened to hear of Clark’s death. We have so many fond memories of the time he served as our Pastor in Atikokan. He was such a blessing to our family and to our congregation, sharing his faith and wisdom with us. We always enjoyed those visits with both of you.
Clark’s suffering is over and he is resting in the arms of Jesus.
God be with you
Max and Sharon Beyak
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Leanna Probizanski Marg, so sorry to hear of your loss. Clark was a wonderful neighbour for many years. I have many memories of growing up across the street from the family! My thoughts and prayers are with you & all of the family. Leanna Probizanski
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Cameron & Wanda Nicolson Marg, Tim & Matthew, we are so sorry to hear of Clarkes passing and send to you and your family our sincere condolences. We remember many a fine conversation and socializing times with Clarke at Thunder Bay church events and at Camp Aurora affairs. God Bless,
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DANIEL DACIW Dan Daciw
Sorry to hear about Clark passing.
It immediately brought back many pleasant memories of Clark and his boys Matt and Tim who both worked for me in Thunder Bay.
How time has marched on.My sincere condolences.
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Pattie Paxson I am saddened to hear of Clark’s passing but grateful that I had the opportunity to know Clark. In the early 1990’s I had the pleasure of working with Clark at Confederation College. He was such a kind, sensitive man, and I remember his sense of humour and the giggles we had in his office on occasion. He was one of the first “bosses” I worked for and a wonderful introduction to College working life. I consider myself lucky to have known him. I often wondered how he was over the years and thought of him fondly. My sincerest condolences to the family.
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Dave Fischer The Dave Fischer family is saddened by the passing of our friend, uncle and Brother in Christ, Uncle Clark. We have shared many life experiences together, some joyful and some sad. We treasure the times we have spent with Clark and family and we now look forward to sharing our eternal life with him as we share the love of Jesus.
Dave, Shannon, Ted and Cassandra
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Brian Aho The Aho’s wish to express our deepest condolences to Marg, Tim, Matt and the Wilkie Family, we are very sadened by this news. Clark was considered a great friend and councelor. We have many memories of Clark from the first inception of Bread of Life Group, to fishing trips, gun & bow hunting, and meal feasts of our catches. His star will shine forever in our hearts, and will be missed by all, Brian & Linda
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Stephen & Susan Maunula Clark, Marge and family are dear friends of the Maunula clan and are, indeed, family. Clark was a best friend to my father, Frank, and they shared similar career paths in Lutheran ministry, social work and college teaching/administration. Susan and I were blessed over the past couple of years to have had wonderful visits with Clark and Marge in Victoria; such great hospitality and interesting conversations! We share in your sorrow now but also rejoice that suffering is over and that Clark will be at peace in Heaven. Shalom, Stephen (& Susan)
Dear Marg,Tim,and Matt, We would like to express our sympathy as you all go through your grief living with the loss of your husband and dad, Clark. It is such a great comfort when you know your loved one is with our Lord Jesus, despite the sadness in our lives that their passing creates.
Both Erick & I were confirmed at Christ Lutheran by Clark. We have many fond memories of him as our pastor during our teens and then at the college for me, for both of us at Lutheran curling, camp and Church/family events that brought us all together. Clark was always regarded as one of my Dad’s best friends and both you, Marg and Clark as dear friends of my Mom. May God our Father comfort and keep you all, Sharon & Erick Rantala