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Edward Wilkins Obituary

Edward Brice Wilkins
Feb. 12, 1932 - March 12, 2021
Edward B. Wilkins passed away March 12, 2021, in Portland, Ore., at 89 years old. Ed was born Feb. 12, 1932, in St. John's, Ore., to Edward and Eva Wilkins and was the youngest of four boys. His strong faith was guided by his Catholic education, as he attended Assumption Catholic Grade School, Central Catholic High School, and Portland University where he obtained his degree in English. Prior to his college years, his education was interrupted when he served his country in the USMC during the Korean War.
After returning, Ed married his childhood neighbor and friend, Aileen Rose Inkster and together raised four children. They celebrated 60 years of marriage until her passing in 2015.
Immediately after graduating from college, Ed found his niche teaching high school. He ventured to Valsetz, Ore., where he wore many hats as a teacher, coach, and mentor, thus the beginning of his closet full of hats. He eventually moved to Milwaukie, Ore., where he continued to teach and coach at Clackamas and Milwaukie High Schools. He ended his career as an Athletic and Attendance Director, and his impact on students was immeasurable. It was not uncommon for someone to recognize him from across the street, across the grocery store aisle, across the church, across the bleachers, or even across the river, with a "Hey, Mr. Wilkins!" His face lit up, and from there it was always a smile, handshake, or hug, followed by a memorable anecdote. He loved his students.
His loving and committed demeanor was evident in his strong marriage and dedication as a father. He was a role model in that he rarely missed a recital, a CYO game, a speech, or a graduation, and his love of sports was evident in the many hats he donned (about 40) from all of his children's teams, their spouses' teams, and eventually his grandchildren's teams. He was always in the stands.
When he wasn't in the stands, he was hosting gatherings at his beautiful and scenic home where he worked tirelessly in the yard, his sanctuary. Whether it was the annual Easter Egg Hunt, 4th of July Barbecue, Back To School get-together, or just a good day for a "picnic," everyone was invited and any tag-a-long was welcome. From barbecues to volleyball, to horseshoes and boat races, his backyard and home were a place to relax and tell stories with the people who mattered most, his family and friends. He cherished the hellos and was always saddened by the goodbyes.
Ed will always be remembered as a teacher, but he too will be remembered as a lifelong learner, evident in his love for reading. He was never at a loss for coming up with a fact, a quip, or a quote from his library of books which he readily passed on to others. His reading expertise aided in his gift of conversation which did not go unnoticed, as he was such a sweet and polite listener.
He is survived by his four children, Sharon Webster (Craig), Michele Powelson (Gene), Edward J. Wilkins (Lisa), Daniel Wilkins; grandchildren, Brice (Megan), Addie (Jason), Michael, Madeline, Cade, Callie, and Allison; great-grandchildren, Isaac, Abe, Easton, and Lincoln; as well as many nieces and nephews. A private funeral Mass will be held April 5, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milwaukie. The service will be live streamed at 10 a.m. through the parish website, ( www.sjbmilwaukie.org ). His visitation will be held from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Stehn's Milwaukie Funeral Home, ( www.stehnfuneralhomes.com ). The family asks that donations be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic School Education Fund located at 10956 S.E. 25th Avenue in Milwaukie in his memory.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits

Published by The Oregonian from Mar. 24 to Mar. 28, 2021.
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Ed has been a friend for some 50 years. Great memories of the times we spent together socially. He and Aileen always added something special to our group. I was also fortunate to have worked with him at Clackamas and Milwaukie high schools. Ed loved his yard and spent endless hours keeping it picture perfect. He was a huge sports fan and an advid reader. He did not take to the computer/technology era. He was proud of the time he spent serving his country; took flowers every Friday to the cemetery for Aileen; enjoyed video poker and the American Legion was a place he connected with other veterans. He was open and to the point, trustworthy and a person you wanted on your team. He was a great, likeable guy. He deeply loved his children and family members. I find great comfort knowing he left this world loved. I will miss my friend.

Jeannien Countryman-Snider

Friend

March 31, 2021

We all know the phrase, "he was the salt of the earth, sea, etc."... we have now lost the salt of the creek. (his creek). Uncle Ed was the epitome of what we all strive for in life. Too many stories, events, gatherings to elaborate on, it would be infinite.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well dressed body, but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used up, worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow what a ride".
Love from Mike Wilkins and family

I have great memories of the trip that you, Ailene, Mike and I took to Las Vegas to celebrate our common Feb.12th birthday! I will always continue to toast you, Uncle Ed. XO Kris Wilkins

Mike/Kristine Wilkins

Family

March 31, 2021

What a wonderful man. So many good memories. My sincere condolences to the family. May he Rest In Peace.

Tom Brenneke

Friend

March 29, 2021

My husband and I were connected with Ed and Aileen through our children in sports, LaSalle High School and finally by marriage between our daughter Lisa and their son Eddy. We quickly felt fondness for both Them and their entire family. I watched Ed lovingly care for Aileen before her passing. I have such admiration for him as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Truly a role model for all young men. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, young and old. May God’s comfort envelope his family as they grieve for him.

Dori Clark

Friend

March 29, 2021

Ed was a very good man and friend.

Chuck Leverton

Friend

March 29, 2021

Dear Wilkins family - My heart aches after reading of the death of your dear dad Ed. He, your Mom Aileen and I started first grade together in 1938 and were best friends for all of grade school and high school years. Your Mom was very close to 2 of my sisters. Our 3 families lived within 3 blocks of each other and had a
wonderful time growing up. Ed was such a close part of my family that my younger brother's middle name was
Edward, named for your dad. We spent countless hours together, and after his parents died my Mom & Dad were like parents to him. I talked to him a few weeks back and we looked forward to visiting before long. God rest his soul. I so looked forward to being with him yearly at our class of ' 50 gatherings. May he rest in peace in Heaven with your dear Mom.

Dick Safranski

Friend

March 28, 2021

Wilkins Family so sorry for the loss of your Father. He was a life long friend of our Dad at Central Catholic, the Marine Corp and on thru life. Reading the tributes to your Dad and knowing what kind of person he was when we were younger is a tribute to a live well lived, My Dad loves to tell the story of the time during the Korean War they were stationed in different parts of Korea and yet one day there was your Dad outside his barrack. We've heard that story many times which shows the love our Dad had for Ed. I had the privilege of speaking with your Dad about a week before his passing and it was like we spoke every day. Thoughts and prayers with you and your families.

Bob Cassidy and Family

Friend

March 28, 2021

Mr Wilkins was one of my favorite teachers at Clackamas High School. He also was the best baseball coach I had in my life. He was my freshman baseball coach. I graduated from CHS in 1972. RIP Mr Wilkins.

Chris Rippee

Student

March 28, 2021

We got to know Ed through the grandchildren, Cade, Callie and Allie at Christ the King grade school and Clackamas High School. He was such a joy to sit with at Mass at CTK and SJB. We loved him, he was such a kind, funny, articulate and amazing man. Saturday night mass will never be the same. High school sports and collegiate sports at Clackamas will never be the same. Larry always looked forward to the football and basketball games, as Ed was there in the bleachers and fun to talk with. I will miss his smile, the twinkle in his eyes as we talked about his grandchildren and his hugs when we could pre-Covid and our elbow "hugs" post Covid. Our prayers and our hearts go out to you all. With love, Larry and Ricki Schneider

Larry and Ricki Schneider

Friend

March 28, 2021

So sorry for your loss....Ed was a great friend and mentor....We spent many years in the gym (I as the athletic trainer and he as the athletic director) sharing stories.....too many memories to list...I will miss him greatly.....

BILL HAUGEN

Friend

March 28, 2021

I imagine at some point in everyone's life there is a thing, event, even a song, and certainly people that have an everlasting effect on your life. For me that was " Mr. Wilkins ". Whether it was guidance, support, or even a kick in the pants to get me going in the right direction. I will always remember the special effort and time he took to help me along my way. I ran into him a few years back at a Safeway store and of course he remembered me, but unfortunately I never took the time to express my appreciation at that time .... something that I'm an regretting today after reading of his passing. My warmest thoughts go out to the entire " Wilkins " family for all the great years you enjoyed with him and my sincere condolences' for your loss.

Dan Anderson

Student

March 26, 2021

So sorry to learn Ed's passing. He was an important mentor to me in my career as a counselor at Milhi. I enjoyed working with him - and serving as a major football ticket sales person for many years =)
He was a terrific person.

Aina O'Malley

Coworker

March 26, 2021

To the family from Sam and his wife...Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim." — this is been the year to loss some great amazing parents.

Sam Walker

Friend

March 25, 2021

I was fortunate to have Mr. Wilkins as the Athletic Director of Milwaukie HS. During that time it was evident that his commitment, passion, and caring for students was imbedded in his heart. Fast forward 25-30 years of not seeing him, he still remembered my name. RIP Mr. Wilkins you were truly CLASS

Bob Calwhite

Student

March 25, 2021

Ed and Aileen were our next door neighbors for many years on Aldercrest Road in Milwaukie. Couldn't have had better neighbors.
We always enjoyed our back yards together on Kellogg Creek.
We moved to Canby but stayed in touch over the years (always saw them at the LPGA golf tournament). Truly a great guy.

Chuck King

March 24, 2021

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