It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Bert Wilkinson. After battling Cardiac Amyloidosis since 2020, Bert has earned his final rest. His loving family were by his side. Predeceased by his parents, Tom & Hope, and 8 siblings. Bert grew up at the family farm, Shincliffe in Cobble Hill. He attended many fall fairs in Cobble Hill and was a member of the 4H Club.
Bert married his first wife, Val, in 1951. They had 3 daughters, Linda (Mike), Christine and Cathy.
In 1976 Bert met Sharron. It was the beginning of a new love story. They married in 1979 and Sharron’s daughter Ann-Marie (Darrell) and son Billy became part of his new family. Bert also leaves 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren to remember “Poppa”, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was with the Victoria Fire Department for 34 years, retiring in 1989 having obtained the position of Deputy Fire Chief. He had many memorable times with the Department and said it was the best job he ever had.
Bert was involved in many sports at a young age. He excelled in Boxing, becoming the Vancouver Island Golden Boy in 1954. He also trained boxers for many years, and was inducted into the B.C. Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame as a Builder. He coached young women in softball and took them to the Canadian Championships representing B.C. in 1974. In 2009 he won the Gold Medal in Horseshoes at the World Police Fire Games. He was an avid curler for the fire department and enjoyed horseshoes and Lawn bowling for many years. Bert & Sharron shared many happy times at Sandown Racetrack, where they first met, and their many travels to Europe & England. Their most memorable trips were to Portugal, their safari trip to South Africa & the Mediterranean, especially Mykonos & Santorini.
He loved his gardening and his dahlias and begonias were his pride & joy.
Above everything else, he loved his family and the family reunions were so special to him. All the family loved hearing about his life growing up on the farm.
Many thanks to the Palliative Care ward at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their kindness to Bert and for making him as comfortable as possible.
A Celebration of Bert’s life will be held at 2:00pm on February 16, 2023 at McCall Gardens and Sequoia Centre, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS, the Burn Fund, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Pam Fraser
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Gerry Lister Well, Beanie was one of the Greatest People I ever met at our Occupation or Socially ! Just an absolute beauty! A Person you could trust and follow with no second guessing!
Illness kept me from the Service today, but, Bert will be with me in my heart until we meet again! Sharon and Family, my Heartfelt Sympathies and Condolences ! Ioved him like a Brother and Mentor !
May you Rest in Peace knowing that, “You only die if you’re forgotten in the Hearts of Those you leave behind! “ Laura Prior and Bull, Gerry Lister
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Don and Ann Dyck Sharon, Linda, Christine and Cathy, we were so sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. We hope you find comfort in all the memories you have of the great times you spent with him. We were so pleased to have a wonderful telephone conversation with Bert in October and had fun chatting about the good times we spent together, all those years ago.
Don and Ann Dyck
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Keith Henders Bert was the kind of guy who, even in his declining years, would try to help out his community – like delivering the monthly newsletter. Many good memories of Bert and Sharron at Happy Hours and at lawn bowling.
Keith & Audrey
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Central Saanich Lawn Bowling Club Sharron our members at the Central Saanich Lawn Bowling Club were saddened to read about Bert. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
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Richard ( Dick ) Austin Sharon, family, fellow Firefighters, and friends,
Like many, the news of Bert’s passing, not unexpected given his ongoing heart condition, was greeted with sadness and shock.
He valued life as precious and savored each and every moment, especially the monthly gatherings of retired Firefighters for lunch. Every attendee was greeted with a warm smile and handshake, small talk prevailed. Regardless of one’s age and years of service, you were part of an elite band of brothers, Bert would have it no other way.Had the pleasure of working with Bert during our years of service with the VFD, he was the epitome of a true professional in his craft. As Bert advanced through the ranks, educating and training new recruits was a labor of love. Those who followed him are the recipients of his dedication and desire to make the fire ground a safer workplace during extreme and perilous conditions. Knowing many who followed after his retirement, his values and attention to detail are still prevalent.
Sharon, unfortunately, I will miss the ROL, my condolences and warm thought will be with you.
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Debbie Cooper I am so sorry for your loss. Bert or Wilkie as we called him was a one of a kind. He generously gave of his time to coach our softball team back in the 80’s. We were a bunch of Esquimalt brats and Wilkie put up with us. We went on many ball tournaments up and down the island and throughout BC. Our softball team won the BC Championship which was one of the highlights of my life. I have often thought of Bert over the years. What Bert and Smitty his fellow coaching partner gave us as kids has shaped the person I am today. Because of you Bert I have volunteered to help kids, to give them what you gave me. I wouldn’t have seen the Island and parts of BC if you hadn’t stepped up and given of your time so freely. It was so nice to see Bert love Sharron so much, it was something I looked for as I became an adult. Bert you shared wisdom to all of us kids that I will never forget. Thank-you Sharron too for all that you did for us kids. My condolences to your family. Thank-you so much! RIP Coach xo Devil Deb
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Ed and Gabriella Pakos Sharron and family, please once again accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Bert. He was a great firefighter, officer, Deputy Fire Chief and most of all a true gentleman. We will miss him deeply.
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Linda Sache I remember your Dad fondly, from our High School days in your Rock Heights family home. We were experimenting with his liquor cabinet selections… We would take a sip from each bottle, so he wouldn’t notice! Oops!
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Santina, Neil, Alexander and summer What a wonderful tribute to the most wonderful man, I know he will be missed by many, as he was loved by many.
Dear Sharron, xox
And family, relatives
And friends who had the deep pleasure of knowing and spending time with Bert…
Wishing you strength and love. Hoping all the beautiful adventures and memories help with your profound loss.
We didn’t get to spend alot of time with Bert (and Sharron) but we always knew he was an incredible person.
(An incredible couple xox) These tributes are so beautiful to read. Bert is always in your hugs, smiles, laughter and treasured stories.
Lots of love, Ian, Pam Fraser and family. Xox