Charles Redvers Wilkinson

In Loving Memory of

Charles Wilkinson

1920 - 2014

Charles Redvers Wilkinson, age 90 years of Roblin, Manitoba, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2014 at Crocus Court Personal Care Home, with his wife Elvinia  and children by his side.

Charlie had just celebrated his 90th birthday on September 22, 2014. 

Charlie was born on September, 22, 1924 at March, County of Isle of Ely, England, the son of Redvers and Florrie (Bollman) Wilkinson.  Charlie was one and one half years old when they moved to Canada in 1926 to the little town of Runnymede, Saskatchewan. 

When Charlie was nine years old he went to stay with the Mulroy family in Runnymede because his school was too far to walk to.  He told the family that his teacher had moved him ahead in grades because he was “too smart”.  Charlie would walk three miles just to get to school.

Charlie was one of a family of four; sisters Molly Azure, Dorothy (Tossee) Harambura and brother Fred Wilkinson.

Charlie worked for farmers in his early teen years and went to the army when he was nineteen years old.  During WW II he worked in the kitchen and as a guard in Newfoundland for one and a half years.  After WWII he helped his dad farming and on a saw mill.  His first vehicle was a Model T Ford. 

Charlie worked as a cat operator, a mechanic in Rivers, Manitoba at Barry Forman Ford and he worked in the logging industry.  One of Dad's passions was music, he played many different instruments and in his early years he and some friends would get together and play for dances in the area.  Dad was also an inventor, he would never sit idle for very long, always taking things apart and putting things together, trying to make things better or faster. 

Charlie met the love of his life when he met Elvinia Henry.  They were married on June 18, 1952 and were blessed with eleven children; Judy (Clifford) Paul of Rivers, Manitoba, Barbara (Brett) Myrah of Brandon, Manitoba, Diane (Tony) McNeil of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Redvers (Sheila) Wilkinson of Boggy Creek, Manitoba, Raymond (Donalda) Wilkinson of Boggy Creek, Roxanne (Brian) Paul of San Clara, Manitoba, Bonnie (James) Wilder of Winnipeg, Elda (Randy) Boyce of Innisfail, Alberta, Daniel (Keri) Wilkinson of Leader, Saskatchewan, Carol (Elvis) Paul of Boggy Creek, and Karen (Walter) Langan of Boggy Creek. There are twenty-five grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandchild.

Dad will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents; Redvers and Florrie Wilkinson, his brother; Fred Wilkinson, his sisters; Molly and Arthur Azure, Dorothy and Steve Harambura, and his grandson; Jeremy Wilkinson. 

A Service of Comfort was held on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 7:00 PM from the Chapel of Nairn-Chyz Funeral Home in Roblin.

Charlie’s Funeral Service held on Thursday, October 2, 2014, 1:00 PM at Roblin Evangelical Mission Church (under the auspices of the New Life Fellowship Centre– San Clara) with Pastor Shawn Paul officiating.  The Royal Canadian Legion, Roblin Branch # 24 conducted a Poppy Memorial Service and also formed an Honour Guard. A number of Charlie’s children led the congregation in singing “10,000 Reasons” and “Amazing Grace”. Charlie’s Children also sang “Go Rest High”. Tamara Carriere delivered the Eulogy. Judy Paul presented Honour Awards to her father.  

Interment was at Roblin District Cemetery with Pastor Cliff Paul officiating and Casket Bearers were Sons; Raymond Wilkinson, Redvers Wilkinson, and Daniel Wilkinson, brothers-in-law Louis Allarie, Willie Lafontaine, and nephew Jack Azure.

Following the Interment the family hosted a reception at the Evangelical Mission Church.

The family would like to say a BIG thank you to Dr. Eskandar and staff at the Roblin Crocus Court Personal Care Home for the care and commitment to Dad's needs. 

NAIRN-CHYZ FUNERAL HOME

Entrusted with Arrangements

Roblin’s Only Locally Owned

and Family Operated Funeral Home

(204) 937-2111

nairn-chyzfuneralhome.com