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Donald Wilcox Obituary

BAYVIEW, Idaho Donald H. "Skip" Wilcox, 76, of Bayview, Idaho, died April 2013.

A celebration of his life is 1 p.m. June 1 in Bayview, Idaho.

He was born in 1939 in Seattle. He graduated Willamette University and then joined the USAF. After 20 years, he retired as Lt. Colonel. Skip stayed in Montana to raise his girls and worked with various youth programs. After his girls were "grown", Skip settled in Bayview, Idaho, on Lake Pend Oreille, where his father and grandfather once lived.

Skip leaves behind four daughters, Jenny (Jim) West of Yakima, Wash., Julie Peone and Jill Adams of Spokane, Wash. and Joanna (Doug) Anderson of Couer d'Alene, Idaho, grandchildren Jessica Duffy of Everett, Wash., Kurt, Kelsey, Katie, Kolton Peone and Jacqueline Adams of Spokane, Wash. and Jordan Anderson of Couer d'Alene, Idaho; great-grandchildren, Madeline and Molly Duffy and JaQuis Peone.

He is also survived by his brother, Jack JB Wilcox and his former wife, Kathy Wilcox; along with numerous cousins.

Please feel free to post a note or memory at: www.belltowerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers/donations "Give someone a HUG".

Published by Great Falls Tribune on May 1, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Wilcox

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Wow dad, you have been gone almost 10 years......You are missed terribly-I know you know that because I tell you often and I feel you with me....I love you for always..Jill

Jill Marie Adams

Family

April 18, 2023

Dad, no matter how many years go by.....you are missed terribly. I hope you hear me when I reach out to you for advice and help.......YOU ARE FOREVER LOVED....AND MISSED.

JILL MARIE ADAMS (WILCOX)

Family

April 18, 2022

I miss you. It doesn't get any easier. ❤

Jenny West

Daughter

April 20, 2021

Skip was one of a kind, always had a big smile on that handsome face of his, always reaching out to help somebody in need~~ He was a role model for us all~~ Can't believe it's been 8 years since his passing~~ Bayview misses you SKIP~~

VICKY RICHARDSON

Friend

April 19, 2021

You are still so terribly missed.....I went to call you the other day......I love you!

Jill Adams

Daughter

April 26, 2020

You did and still continue to impact many lives. You may physically be absent from us but you spirit will always live on.

Bonnie

April 18, 2020

Dad, I can't believe the time that keeps passing, I miss you terribly. No replacement for you and your words of wisdom, your shoulder to lean on, your ears just to listen. Think of you every day. I love you. I miss the glue you gave this family. Peace.

Jenny West

April 19, 2019

I am so over whelmed on how many hearts Skip touched! I know he did mine. You girls were so very lucky to have him as your father. I remember there were times you didn't think so, but that was part of growing up.
You are all my heart & prayers,
Nancy

Nancy (Ribich) Nelson

July 16, 2017

Dad....Thank you for having so many wonderful people in your life. Jamie...thank you for carrying on! Dad will be with you, I have faith in that. Not a day goes by that I don't miss Dad and everything about him. Love to you all.

Jenny West

June 14, 2017

Hello Girls & Grandkids,
Just wanted you all to know that I have placed & attached 2 flags on your Dad's sign in the Bayview Community Park in his honor on Memorial Day weekend. Folks are really good about respecting them and they usually stay through the summer and through the Labor Day weekend. He is continually missed in our community and in our hearts. His boat sits at MacDonald's and I was able to talk Gary out of the 3 chairs on the boat and Rob gave me the other one when he sold his wooden boat. The chairs are pulled out each weekend and I so love having them at the float home. Looks like I will be the "Boat Parade Marshall" at the Bayview Daze celebration again this year and we will do the count down with Kevin. I wish Skip would possess me for the evening, so I can do appropriate and correct "radio talk". Maybe he will. God knows I can use all the help I can get. No one did that job as good as Skip. Thoughts and prayers to all.

Love and Hugs,

Jamie Berube

June 14, 2017

Hi daddy..... another Farher's day is just around the corner and oh how I wish I could call you..... I have needed your advice on some things so keep a listen out for me ok? Mom is pretty dang good at the advice thing so she's got your back down here.... I love you tons and miss you terribly!!!! HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

Love always
Jill❤

June 13, 2017

Dad, Missing you.

Jenny West

June 13, 2017

dear heart.....went to the casino...made me lonesome...spent 5 nights on the ocean..you havent left my mind...or my heart. i miss your hugs, your kisses and your smile. love forever,nan

nancy bernier

June 11, 2017

Hey Skip,
Thinking of you on your birthday and wishing you were still with us. Alex wears the little gold ring you gave her and she never takes it off. Of course I carry your rock with me always. It is a beautifully sunny day today, which is a huge change from all the rain we have had this month. I choose to think of it as you smiling on us.
Miss you lots!

Jamie Berube

March 31, 2017

Hi Dad....It is Christmas time and I know how much you loved the music of the season. I try and listen to it with you in mind but so often it makes it melancholy. I really miss you, sharing with you, talking to you and getting your words of wisdom. I could really use them. Want to share the Warriors awesome bb games and rub in the Raiders amazing record this year! I miss you...I love you, I know you are still watching my back! Thank you.-Jenny

December 6, 2016

hello my friend....this reminded me of you...Someday when the pages of my life end...I know that you will be one of the most beautiful chapters. give Becky a hug for me...my mom and dad too. ill see you again..until then warm hugs...love nan

nancy bernier

December 5, 2016

Well Skip, Jim and I walked past your house in Bayview last weekend and there were leaves all over the place. Couldn't help but smile thinking of you in your very dated moon boots, sweat pants, hat, heavy coat and gloves raking leaves. Who the heck still has Moon Boots, anyway? Oh right, probably me. How I enjoyed helping you rake leaves with Jim and Alex, but got to say, I think you were a bit over dressed. I have been told that your little house is for rent again and how I wish you were still there. You were definitely not used to spending winters in Bayview, but through all your complaining about not being down south, I think you really did like it in the winter. You had all your friends and family to harass, tease and bet with on football, baseball and basketball yet still had a casino fairly close. I hope you know how much you are missed in our little community. We sure need you here to knock some sense into a few individuals that just keep stirring the pot about some very ridiculous issues. You always had a knack for straightening people out and delegating.
Love and miss you, my dear friend.

Jamie Berube

November 4, 2016

hello dear heart....my dreams of you are so heartwarming...love and miss you nan

September 12, 2016

So glad this book is still open. Jill, I know exactly how you are feeling. I don't understand, but I have also been missing my dear friend this past summer and also needing advice. Just so you know, the flags I placed in the Bayview park are still there from Memorial Day and pleased that no one has taken them. Last year they found a new home on the July 4th weekend and some little kid probably took them to waive in the parade. I am sure Skip probably smiled. I did the Parade Marshall for the boats this year and the turn out was the best since Skip left us. Hope we can make it great again as when he was the Parade Marshall. Looks like I have another Skip job for the community besides collecting money during the street parade and the pancake breakfasts. His traditions and actions carry on through others. Girls, feel free to contact me any time.

Jamie Berube

July 26, 2016

Jamie and Nanthank you thank you for loving my dad.wow what a lucky man he was! And dad, here it is the end of July 2016 and I am missing you so so very muchthe salt betrays my eyes (again).I have so much to ask you, mostly advice.so keep an ear open for me ok?.Love, Jill.

Jill Adams

July 21, 2016

so long dear friend...you will always be tucked in a tiny corner of my heart..until we meet again...i love you dearly, nan

n an bernier

July 2, 2016

Well Skip another year without you on the 4th and I find myself really missing you. I have been asked to be the Grand Marshall of the Boat Parade this year and I just hope I can do it justice and build it back up again. It has not been the same since you left us. Please guide me to make it a fun and successful event and send your angels to encourage people to join in, decorated or not. My call on the radio will be the name you always called me, "Fallen Angel". The name makes me smile because it reminds me of how we once teased each other.

Bob & I, with any kids we can gather, will walk the parade route to get donations for the fireworks from those on the sidelines. I think you would be pleased as to how that has taken off the last couple of years. I bet I could give you a run for your money in the fundraising department :0) No pun intended.

Help me to feel your presence more than ever this weekend.

Love and hugs always,

Jamie Berube

June 30, 2016

Well Mike, Elena, and I are in the middle of another move. We were going through several boxes trying to downsize. I came across both copies of "The Perfect Present." One you gave to me at my high school graduation in 2005 and the other you gave to us at our wedding in 2010. Sweet tears were brought to my eyes as I read your inscriptions. I miss you every day, and I keep every rock you gave me in a beautiful wood box in my room. Each day I'm reminded of your ability to make everyone see the beauty in themselves.

Eva Cordes

May 27, 2016

Well Skip, I got the USA flags for the park and Alex said "I'll bet they were made in China." Sure enough they were, we laughed and said there is something wrong with that when US flags are made in China - oh well. I have been going for walks / runs in Bayview to try and get rid of the tons of fun I am carrying around and last weekend I walked past your house on 5th & Corbin. Your lilacs were in bloom and smelled so good. Thought about you right away and remembered how much you loved the smell of the lilacs in the spring. Lots of reminders and memories all about town of you.

Miss you & love you.

Jamie Berube

May 27, 2016

Hello Skip Been thinking about you a lot, especially since your birthday. The Memorial Day pancake breakfast will be this weekend and as always you will be missed. I am sure your buddy, Paul, will be wearing your apron with much pride as he has done every year since we lost you.
I plan on putting flags in the Bayview Park this weekend by your house sign, so you know that we all think of you. Sue drove by the park a while back and saw a couple of young families enjoying the park and having a picnic while their little ones were swinging away on your swing set. Sue said, Skip would have been so happy to see them all enjoying the park so much, but somehow I am sure you did see it all and smiled.
The Peaceful Warrior sits at MacDonald's. I guess the man who bought it could not make the moorage payments, so I guess it now belongs to the marina. I sure wish someone would come and make Gary an offer on it so she could once again enjoy the lake as much as you both did.
Well my friend, love you, miss you and hope you are not winning all the poker games. Give the others a break once in a while.
Hugs to you!!!

Jamie Berube

May 24, 2016

so lonesome for you today. You gave me strength..to stand on my own..but when you were here I always had a soft place to fall..I really need one right now...send me a sign please love you, Nan

nan bernier

February 7, 2016

Went to the Christmas tree lighting at Flag hill. It is so healing. I said a special prayer when they read your name.
love and miss you, Nan

nan bernier

December 9, 2015

Not sure who posted the "new" pictures, but wanted to say "THANK YOU". Beautiful gift and I would like to encourage more posting of pictures.
Katie, you are so on point with the word "beautiful" and Skip. He always told everyone they were beautiful and always told everyone to have a beautiful day, which was always stated with the most sincerity. Case in point, his greeting on his answering machine. "I am somewhere in the Bayview area or the Casino ..... Have a BEAUTIFUL Day." He made everyone feel beautiful and empowered. Keep the good thoughts and believe in his quotes and advise. He so loved people, especially his family, and all life held for him. Thanks for sharing. Darn tears. Oh well, he would say it is okay.

Jamie Berube

December 9, 2015

Katie Peone

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Katie Peone

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Katie Peone

December 8, 2015

Grandpa,
I do miss you very much. I think about all the times we shared at your home in "YOUR" town bayview. There will forever be a piece missing to our family but i know that you're watching down on us. I feel like you were taken too soon yet I know you are not in pain or struggling anymore. I love you and will always keep in mind that I am beautiful and can do anything I set my mind to. No matter what was going on you always made sure you never left without telling me I was beautiful or encouraging me and I thank you for that. You were/are and inspiration to so many. We all love you soo much.

Katie Peone

December 8, 2015

Hey Skip - You and the girls have really been on my mind this last week. Maybe it is because of the time of year or maybe because I usually think of when you came home from your last heart surgery. The holidays have always been difficult for me as I lost my Dad around Thanksgiving and my Mom just before Christmas. When I would come to visit you during this time of year, you always had Christmas music playing in your house starting right after Thanksgiving when there wasn't a football or basketball game to watch. I have found myself listening to your favorite holiday music station (KISS 98.1) and listening to Christmas music. I didn't listen to it much after my parents died as it made me sad, but now I listen to it more and think of happier times with you and smile a bit. The sadness and loss is still there, but baking cookies for you always made me happy. As I write this to you, tears fill my eyes and I just miss you so much. I know your girls are feeling your loss as well, but we just need to keep thinking of all the happier times to get us through the season. "Just say HO!"
Thoughts, Prayers and Hugs to you and the girls.

Jamie Berube

December 4, 2015

I hope this message gets posted as the last 2 I have sent didn't make it. Sure miss you, Skip. GU played Saturday and won the game by a long shot. I am sure the girls think of you a lot and especially during football and basketball season / games because I sure do. I am counting on you to send me your angels to help me get a job at GU. Needing something different and this opportunity is perfect. Hope you can help me out on this one.

Love & Hugs Always

Jamie Berube

November 9, 2015

This is a sad time of year for me..made harder by the loss of you. I still talk to you but now I never get to hear your answer..you were my Anna Cara and oh how I miss you. Love, Nan

nan bernier

November 7, 2015

Dear heart Another fall is here.I remember how you loved the trees on the drive over here. Red Ribbon week...you always came. I miss you, Skip...nan

nan bernier

September 24, 2015

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September 19, 2015

Hey dad.boy howdy do I miss you!!!! I tried to call you Thursday night..well, I really needed to call youI am not sure if I am suppose to be this sad still, but salt seems to betray my eyes oftenI LOVE YOU LIKE BREATH!
Jill

September 18, 2015

JUST GOT HOME FROM THE CASINO...SO hard to turn left without going to your house first....First time I drove by the hospital..remembering that was the last time I saw you. I hold you so deeply in my heart...I can still see your smile...hear your voice..and if I close my eyes I can feel your warm hug. I love you dearly...hug Becky for me....Nan

nancy bernier

July 16, 2015

Stand strong...go on...like a rock. Miss you. ♡♡♡

Jenny West

July 11, 2015

Hey Dad.another 4th of July has passed..things on fire up there in Bayview.Scareyand I know you know thatI love you
Jill

July 6, 2015

Dad...this board has been a God send for a lot of us. I too will continue my conversations with you. I miss you every day. I love you. Thank you for watching down on us and always having our backs. Until we meet again...Peace.

Jenny West

June 17, 2015

I understand your guest book is closing. I will still talk to you...everyday...say a prayer every night..you were my Godsend and I will love you beyond my last breath. Hug Becky for me...until we meet again..warm hugs and soft kisses...nan

nancy bernier

June 15, 2015

Not sure when the guest book closes, but want to get one last post in before it does. It was great to see Curtis at the Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast in Bayview this past weekend. I know we all think of Skip at the breakfast every year as there are reminders of him and his presence everywhere. Paul wears his apron, but we didn't get him into shorts and Jesus slippers this year. Maybe next year :)
Skip was heavily on my mind all weekend. I parted with the few remaining ashes that I have kept over the past 2 years and placed them in a very special spot in Bayview that he loved and worked so hard to obtain for the community and visitors. I also placed 2 American Flags in the Bayview Community Park, one on each side of the sign that says "Skip's Place". It was beautiful and if this guest book is still open on Monday, 6/1/15, I will try and get the pictures posted for everyone to see.
We got Jacquelyn's graduation announcement in the mail this week with her beautiful pictures. Love the one on Skip's boat with "The Peaceful Warrior" under the spot where she was photographed.
Speaking of Skip's boat, Rob Brooke is trying to sell his wooden boat that was in the same shed area as Skip's. You girls were kind enough to give one of the custom made chairs that was on the Peaceful Warrior to Rob and he was kind enough to pass it on to me last weekend. Of course I had an emotional moment, but love sitting in the chair on the dock thinking that Skip is putting his arms around me with one of his great big hugs. It is perfect. What a wonderful gift and I am so thankful to have it with me at the float home.
I would like to THANK YOU girls for keeping this guest book open these past 2 years. What a great place for all of us to come and share our thoughts. I can't believe it has been 2 years. It seems like Skip hasn't been gone that long. I guess that is a good thing because it means he will always be alive in our hearts, thoughts and prayers as we all talk with him from time to time.
Another thing that happened this past weekend that made me feel his presence was his rocks. I was talking with someone about some current issues in Bayview that have caused hurt and hard feelings in the community. When I was talking with this individual at the Community Center, my purse strap slipped off my shoulder and the rock he gave me fell to the ground. I have to believe he was trying to communicate the disappointment he must be feeling about all this turmoil in the community. I don't think the person I was talking with understood, but I sure did. Like I have said he will always be with us and we need to pay attention to those messages he is sending us.
By the way, the Chamber President officially asked me to organize the boat parade on the 4th of July this year. Another honor and gift bestowed upon me to know that Skip must be smiling at his "Fallen Angel" and her daughter.
I love you and miss you, Skip!
P.S. - Jenny thanks for your last letter. I will write soon or shoot you a call. You all are welcome to call me anytime.

Jamie Berube

May 29, 2015

Hey Skip,
Bayview misses you more than you could ever know and especially now. All the work you did to bring this community together and protect it seems to be in trouble on several different levels. We sure need you now as you always had the research down and the facts clearly presented, so all your DAC partners could effectively examine all sides of an issue. It is sad and I, so wish you were here. I miss you dearly my friend and think of you often.

Jamie Berube

May 18, 2015

Found some old pictures..way
back to 1986...the three of us. I love you dearly and miss your warm hugs...Nan

nancy Bernier

May 15, 2015

Skip,
I have been thinking about you all month and especially today, your birthday. Words can't express how much I miss you and the hole in my heart. March Madness is almost over and I have so missed calling you to find out what channels the teams are playing on and discussing our brackets. Wish the Lady Zags and the Men Zags could have gone farther. They gave it a good run and I know you had the best seat in the house to watch the games.
Happy Birthday, my dear friend. I love you.

Jamie Berube

March 31, 2015

Happy Birthday Babe I love and miss you so much God bless you.

March 31, 2015

Dear heart..Ive missed you so much the past week. Its so hard to believe I dont have you in my world anymore..but I did have a very heart warming thought..I dont have you but NOW Becky does...and how much sweeter must heaven be to have you by her side..you two have a gentle evening...I love you both....Nan

nancy BERNIER

March 28, 2015

Well dad, the salt betrayed my eyes again..I miss you..Jill

February 28, 2015

Dear Girls:
I just received an email that I thought was worth sharing.

"Unlike a physical would the healing of the heart and the soul is non visible and unmeasurable. There is no "right time" that works consistently for everyone. There is no "right method" to speed up the process. Each individual must experience the emotions in their own way and on their own timeline. The best advice of this individual who lost her husband 5 years ago, is to be kind to yourselves. Putting too many expectations on how progression should happen is exhausting. Let the tears come, let the laughter come and ALWAYS know the one we loved so much and had to say goodbye to will always live on through us."

The person saying this also told of her favorite movie this past year. It was the "Book of Life". An animation that is gorgeously done full of color and beautiful music. The move takes it's viewers on a journey of the life after death and the importance of remembering those that go before us to ensure they do not end up in the land of the forgotten. This simple children's move gives a beautiful perspective on why we commemorate our loved ones. I am looking forward to seeing the movie and hope that maybe you girls and anyone who reads this post will check it out. Remembering the good helps to heal the heart. Dwelling on the bad things that happen keep us stuck.

God Bless.

P.S. Thanks for the letter, Jenny. Will write you soon.

Jamie Berube

February 20, 2015

Dad- I love you. Sorry I threw a five in my crib, it didn't help anyway!

Jenny West

February 8, 2015

Hi daddy........I have been thinking about you a lot lately. Well it seems like always....Sometimes I think you are just going to call us and say hi...boy I miss that...My girl really misses you, I hope you have seen the most incredible gift she gave me for mothers day!!! (You would be proud of her)...I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU terribly!

February 7, 2015

Hi Dad, Yep another Super Bowl is here and you are not! And to top it all off, it's another Super Bowl and the Seahawks are playing in it!! What gives? You go right up there and sit on their bench? So don't let anyone in on this but I MAY let a few cheers for them cross my lips today! BUT only because I so dislike the NE Patriots! I can see you doing the happy dance now! All is well here Dad. I am very happy. I so miss you and our visits, I hope you are listening when I talk to you. I miss you terribly. You are Seattles top #12!!! Enjoy the game! I love you!!!!

February 1, 2015

Well Skip,
We are just upon the weekend of Super Bowl Sunday. Thought I would let you know that Alex made a very poofy blue and green tutu to celebrate the Hawks going to the big game. She also got an official NFL Seahawks stocking hat, scarf and socks for Christmas. On her birthday she got a Seahawks sweatshirt and some t-shirts. She will be all decked out on Sunday to watch the game. After the win against the Packers, she went on-line (that means she went on the computer, which I still think you had hidden in your closet and just pretended to be stupid about computers so you wouldn't have to use one) and bought herself an official NFL Kam Chancellor jersey, with her own money she had saved. She wore all this crazy stuff with the exception of her socks to school today. She wore her blue socks to school for "Blue Friday" as she has been doing throughout the entire football season. No changes due to the fear of bad luck. On Sunday, she will wear the same outfit, but will include her Seahawks socks. If you were here, I know you would most likely be wearing the same tutu with your Jesus slippers right along with Alex. I think you would have a tough time trying to decide who you would be watching the game with this year - Alex or your girls and grandkids. On second thought, you would probably kidnap Alex and take her with you so you could watch the game with those you love most. I can't help but think that you must have had something to do with the win against the Packers and gave them a little pep talk at half-time, or should I say a butt chewing :) to get their act together. Just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you and miss you.

Jamie Berube

January 30, 2015

Hello Jenny,

Thank you for the Christmas Card. I misplaced your CA address and have been thinking about you and your sisters all through the holiday season. Not to mention, my continual thoughts of Skip. I saved some of Skip's ashes when we went out on the boat and have not been able to part with them. I am thinking of spreading some in the park by his sign in the spring and hope that is okay with you all. I also keep the rock he gave me in my purse at all times and remember his words "I will always be with you". His picture above remains on my frig at the FH with the picture of his chair that Rob Brooke gave me last summer. Don't think I will ever take them down. I also have a picture of him and Alex on my desk that I look at many times a day. "We will never forget".
Sounds like things are good for you in CA and I wish you the very best. If you ever get up this way again, please come see us. Keep in touch and please send me your address again.

Love & Hugs to All (Jill, Julie & Joanna & all the grandkids . . . . )

Jamie Berube

January 8, 2015

Hi Dad, So it has been a while since I visited and things have been changing. Change is good! I am living in California. I re met my soulmate! I know you know what that means, I wish you had had more time to experience the joy that comes with it. I hope I have not disappointed you. I wish you were here to see and meet him, but I know you are watching over us and I thank you for that. I miss you terribly. I love you so very much. - Jenny

January 7, 2015

Red ribbon week...you were always here.I miss you, you made feel so safe. Have a very gentle day my friend...I love you too. Nan

Nan Bernier

October 29, 2014

You would be so humbled dad, yesterday your beloved crew in Bayview dedicated (officially) the Children's park as "Skips Place".....I was so honored and proud that you are my dad..............Missed daily...I love you...Jill

September 14, 2014

September 14, 2014

September 14, 2014

September 14, 2014

September 14, 2014

Well, Skip. Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Bayview as we placed your "Skip's Place" sign in the Children's park that you worked so hard to make happen. Carl & Paul were instrumental in refinishing the sign and making this happen. Several community members and several of your family members were here.We know that you were with us in spirit.

September 14, 2014

The invitation to attend the mounting of the "Skip's Place" plaque is extended to anyone still getting messages from this guest book. As I have said, Skip will always be ever present in Bayview and this is just another example of his dedication to the community and to all kids, past, present and future. The plaque will be mounted tomorrow, Saturday, September 13th at Noon in the Bayview Community Park. For those out of town that would like to attend. The park is located off of Hwy 54 and Hudson Bay Road next to the Navy base. Please pass on this information to those that may be interested in attending.

Jamie Berube

September 12, 2014

Hi dad.................I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH!!! I am sorry about your friend Bear, but as Jamie said we know you guys have a MONDO poker game in progress!

September 11, 2014

Hello Skip:
Well, we lost another friend of the community. I am sure you already know and that you, Jim and Bear are having great conversations and playing a hot game of poker. Thinking of you a lot lately and just wanted to let you know you are missed, however; your spirit is always present. I sent the girls an email about putting your "Skip's Place" plaque in the Bayview Community Park. It will be Saturday, September 13th at Noon. I hope they can make it.
Love and hugs always.

Jamie Berube

September 10, 2014

Monday, August 11, 2014
Parade Winners – By Norma Jean
I will bring the ribbons to the Chamber meeting August 12, 2014.
COMMUNITY
1st Place BAB'S
2nd Place Timberlake Fire Department
3rd Place Collecting for the Fireworks (Bob Prince, Jamie Berube, Alex Berube, Baylee Martin)
This posting is to let Skip know that we collected a lot of money for the fireworks of 2015 by walking the parade route with Uncle Sam (AKA – Bob Prince). I think you would be pleased. Baylee is my 6 year old granddaughter and she is now learning about the competition you and I had with collecting money for the fireworks. I also sold a record number of dollar raffle tickets at the July 4th pancake breakfast and started selling $20 raffle tickets for the Christmas drawing, which will go to the Chamber's General Fund. All tickets for the $20 July 4th raffle were sold by the Memorial Day pancake breakfast.
Alex and I ended up organizing the boat parade due to Tom Lloyd's boat not working and no radio for communication. I think you were probably smiling. Alex has a 9ft. fiberglass Livingston look alike named the Frayed Knot. She and Jim decorated it with Red Solo cups, flags and topped it off with great patriotic music that was very loud thanks to House Boat Dave on the Sweat Silver Dreams. The Sheriff's boat started the parade and we were behind them in the Frayed Knot. Sweat Silver Dreams fell in behind us and then I radioed all other boat to fall-in. Another Sheriff's boat brought up the end. Alex and I then motored over to our boat, “Little Mermaid” (also nicknamed “The Fallen Angel” by you when I am on the radio), and got in with family and friends. Kevin and crew did a great job and dedicated the show to some community members that passed during the year. Once Kevin was done, he radioed us to go ahead with the countdown, which I dedicated to you and your family. You are thought of daily.
This brings me to another Bayview update. Carl and Wendy Costello have your “Skip's Place” wood plaque refinished. I have not seen it yet but, Chuck Murray showed it off at the Chamber meeting last night, August 12th. Dennis Damon is working with Parks and Recreation to get it mounted and set in the Bayview Park. Everyone thought that the park would be the best home for the plaque. The hope is to get this done the first week of September, but the date may be determined by the Parks Department. Jenny, Jill, Julie and Joanna – please get in touch with me or Dennis and Sue so we can fill you in on the details. Hugs to all of you!

Jamie Berube

August 13, 2014

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

STEVE WALLACE

July 28, 2014

Last night I felt the loss of you...and I cried. I know you would tell me to shape up and not be sad...but you are missed...your touch...your smile...your essence.
I send you warms hug...love, Nan

nan bernier

July 21, 2014

On June 26, I had the wonderful opportunity to touch base with Jill. I am attaching part of the conversation we had via email and will post more about this past Bayview Daze next week.
“I know how much I miss Skip and can only image how you all feel. He left a big hole, however; he will forever be in our hearts and present in Bayview by all his good works. I took my granddaughter to “Skip's” park last weekend. I read the plaque to her and told her all about how he made this park for the community. His picture is still on my frig at the FH.” There is also a picture of Skip and Alex front and center on my desk at work that I look at many times a day. I also talk to him and if anyone would walk into my office at those times I am sure they would wonder who I was talking to and want to put me on meds since I work at a community mental health center. “What a legacy Skip has left for all of us to follow. He was a great role model. So many of his traditions are going strong, contributions to the food bank, collections for the fireworks and then there is that silly tacky apron that he always wore at the pancake breakfasts to cook sausage. Paul Stanton is now the “official sausage cooker”. Sue gave Paul Skip's apron and he broke down in tears. He is so honored and proud to wear it. Although, I don't think we will get him to wear support socks and Birkenstocks, AKA “Jesus Slippers”. Long story short, try not to stay away from Bayview. You will see so much of your dad throughout the community. As I am writing to you, my eyes fill with tears.”
Hugs to all,
Jamie

Jamie Berube

July 18, 2014

Hey Dad...............I LOVE YOU! Jill

July 13, 2014

Skipper didn't tell everyone about the name of his boat PEACEFUL WARRIOR so I thought I would pass it on. "The Peaceful Warrior" is the title of a book by Dan Millman and there is a movie by the same name available. If this is something new to you - check it out. Oh, and don't forget, there will be a test.... Peace to all.

Steve Wallace

June 20, 2014

Skip to ma lou!!! July 4th Bayview Daze is just around the corner, and I am once again reminded of you, after walking down Hudson Bay Road to ask for donations for next years fireworks, you and I were both very excited as you counted up the loot from that one street alone and you said there was over $200.00 donated. I plan to continue your tradition and every year, we will try and top the previous year. There are so many memories that you helped create for our little Bayview, You are missed by so many and those new to our community have no idea what they missed!!!! Sincerely in the love of JESUS CHRIST, Vicky Richardson, the one and only 1st ever Queen of Bayview!!!!

June 18, 2014

Daddy, the other night I went to write you a lot emote and the book was posed so for me and all of your loved ones who feel a it of comfort I be able to come here and write what's in their hearts or share a memory here's another year to share those feelings. I miss you daddy I yearn for your smile , your encouragement and your wisdom. So much of these things are forever carved in my heart you have inspired my very existence and I am forever greatful. I love you daddy, jewels

June 17, 2014

Dearest Skip:
Sue posted a picture of one of your chairs from the Peaceful Warrior, which will stay on the lake for many years. Rob Brooke gave this picture to me and of course it brought me to instant tears - thinking of you. The Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast will go on as usual and I know many will be thinking of you. I think Dennis and Paul will be wearing your apron when cooking sausages, but of course they will not be wearing the socks and sandals. They do have limits :0)
This will be my last post and once again I would like to thank your family for keeping this book open for the past year. I feel it has helped many of us to heal and keep you close.
Jacquelin called last weekend wanting to come out to the lake as she was missing you so much. It didn't work out, but was glad she felt she could call. Jim, Alex and I will be here to take your family out on our boat whenever they feel the need to be close to you and where we laid you to rest.
Love and Hugs ALWAYS!

Jamie Berube

May 23, 2014

May 23, 2014

Yesterday I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl. I've had you in mind since then knowing that you were here in spirit with me. I wish she could have known you, but I will make sure she knows all about you! I miss you every day. I love you and you will always be beautiful!

Eva Cordes

May 21, 2014

Julie, Jennie, Joanna,and Jill, I just want to thank you for sharing your dad with me. I love you all and I will keep you in my prayers. I talk with him every morning as I look up at the Mtn. He has that special place in my heart.

Nellie

May 20, 2014

From FACEBOOK...The best kind of people are the ones that come into your life, and make you see the sun where you once saw clouds. The people that believe in you so much, you start to believe in yourself.The people that love you, simply for being you. The once in a lifetime kind of person........This is what Skip was to me...the once in a lifetime...I thank God when I remember him...He was such a gentle soul....Nan

nan Bernier

May 15, 2014

Hubbie, Babe, I miss you so much, this past year. When the phone rings thinking its you and looking for your letters, it hasn't been easy, but look to the mountain where I had left your ashes and know that you are still with me in my heart, you have been my soulmate, my friend, my Hubbie you have touch my family. Thank you for sharing your family with me. You will always have a special place in my life and heart. My prayers are with you always. I love you and thank you for sharing your dad with me.

Nellie Speelman

May 14, 2014

I would like to sincerely thank Skip's family for keeping his guest book open for the past year. It is nice to know that so many are thinking of him and his entire family, as the first year without someone you love is the most difficult. God has blessed Skip to have so many who care. Blessings to Skip's family and all his friends. We were all so fortunate to have him touch our lives.

April 25, 2014

You on the sidewalk in front of the Bayview Mercintile in your socks and Birkenstocks, me bald having just gone through Chemo wearing my plaid beret looking at the lake just appreciating life. You tod me I looked good. Lol. We miss you and those shared moments.

Judy Gullidge

April 24, 2014

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