Philip Wilkinson

WILKINSON, Philip Widmer Died Saturday, May 26, 2012, at the Victoria General Hospital after losing his battle against cancer. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Margaret; daughters Kathryn (deceased), Tracy Stubbs (Garry), Kealy Wilkinson; brother Peter Wilkinson, his 5 grandchildren (Christopher, Danielle, Anthony, Krista, Lucy) and 1 great-grand daughter, Eloise). The eldest son of Mary and Donald Wilkinson, Phil was a proud Victoria native and a long time resident of Cordova Bay. In his early years, Phil enjoyed his Fairfield home immensely playing soccer and delivering newspapers. A natural all-round athlete, Phil's passion was soccer and while he played for local club teams, he was most proud of his 2 Colonist Cup Championships while at Victoria High. Phil's love for boating began as a young man, building and racing speedboats. After meeting Margaret, they settled in Cordova Bay, and he began building homes instead. His second was hand-built in a spot high up on Polson Terrace, where as a boy he loved to pick blackberries. It was here, with a commanding view of the Georgia Strait and Mt. Baker that they raised their 3 daughters, and their home evolved into the focal point for many. Phil coached softball out of Lochside Park for many years with his friend Jim, and he thoroughly enjoyed the friendships he made with fellow coaches and players. The waters of the South Island and beyond were very familiar to Phil and his various boats. By summer, the day trips among the Gulf Islands made way for the annual excursion to Desolation Sound. For weeks, the 'Yolande' could be found tucked behind the island in Pendrell Sound, rafted up with close friends. Their legendary happy hours always included fresh caught prawns and oysters, a cold gin and tonic and lots of laughs. It was also here, with knotted handkerchief on his head, that Phil dedicated a solid hour of his year to overseeing the Annual General Meeting of the 'Pendrell Sound Protection Association'. His commitment to public service will long be remembered in those waters. In his later years, Phil evolved into soccer fan and golf fanatic. From his perch at a corner flag, he made sure referees knew his daughters and grandkids could do no wrong, while offering helpful suggestions for altering the rule book to address that reality. We loved it. The refs, not so much. Conversely, Phil treasured his many quiet mornings in the mist at Prospect Lake Golf Course with Bob, Larry, and Frank. Phil was most proud of his wife and daughters. The level headed calm in their storm, unfailingly dedicated and devoted. A man who always answered adversity with courage, grace and dignity. And, nobody every came away from Phil without a better appreciation for good jazz, good scotch, or a good laugh. 400 years ago, the English poet John Donne wrote, "each man's death diminishes me." Apparently he also knew a man who hand-built a house for his new family, in a blackberry patch, up on a hill… Diminished indeed. A private family service was held at St. Stephens Church on June 1st. A Celebration of Phil's Life will be held at the Prospect Lake Golf Course on June 22, 2012 from noon to 2 pm.