Doug Wilkinson

Doug Wilkinson It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our deeply-loved dad, grandpa and uncle, Doug Wilkinson, who passed away peacefully on May 6, 2021 at the age of 93. Doug was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Lona (MacDonald); parents, Wilbur and Hilda Wilkinson (McCaughey); his brother Roger (Mary); and brother-in-law Edward Shreve. Doug will be greatly missed by his family: Bruce (Rusty Dixson) Wilkinson and their daughters: Hannah and her daughter [Hawklen], Dionne (Rowland Sakowski); Ron (Lindy) Wilkinson and their sons: Jeff (Caitlyn) and their daughters, [Nora and Nell], Tyler (Jen) and their sons, [Topher and Keir]; Marcie (Murray) Benson and their children Brianne and Brent (Patricia); Keith (Deirdre Newman); his sister Audrey Shreve, as well as many special nieces and nephews. Doug was born on Dec. 18, 1927. He grew up on the family Homestead Farm two miles north of Yellow Grass. His grandfather M A Wilkinson founded the farm in 1900, and Doug would carry on to make the farm his life. Doug attended Yellow Grass School, helped on the farm, played hockey and curled. Upon completing school in Yellow Grass, he attended Balfour Tech. in Regina. He enjoyed walking over from his apartment to stand at field -level and watch the Riders play. After completing his course at Balfour, he returned home to farm, and soon discovered his life-long love when he met Lona MacDonald from Weyburn. Doug and Lona were married on Nov. 17, 1951 in Toronto. The harvest was late that year, and Doug combined right up until the day he left to drive east, burning 36 quarts of oil to make the trip. He always said it was well-worth it! Doug and Lona made a great life on the farm, where they raised their four kids. In the early years there was not much money, but they were able to buy the first of many milk cows. There were always five or six cows to milk, and the cream sold would help pay the grocery bill. The big garden, the cattle, chickens, eggs all provided food for the table and valuable life lessons of the satisfaction of hard work, pitching in together, and the pride in a job well-done. Over the years the grain farm grew, and prospered, and the little kids who had loved riding around on the tractor and truck with Doug grew big enough to help drive the equipment too. There was always work to be done, but Doug kept things running smoothly. There was lots of fun too, and our city cousins loved visiting. As one niece worded it, "I want you to know how important Uncle Doug was to me, especially all those summers we went to your farm. In my eyes he was both strong and gentle. He could make things work. The animals listened to him. I loved being out with him while he worked around the barn, and even got up at dawn to join him as he did his rounds. His work and the animals really fascinated me." Doug and Lona were very involved in community, church, and their family's activities, and were blessed with many life-long friends. Doug curled, served on the Session of the United Church, the Board of Education, the Rink Board, coached hockey, and helped with Scouts and many community projects such as the rink. He also served as a dedicated member and leader in the Masonic Lodge for many years. Doug and Lona moved into Yellow Grass in 1981. Doug still kept busy helping Ron on the farm for many years, and he always enjoyed taking in the change of seasons, the land, the crops, watching the farm expand, the equipment change, and the family farm life being carried on through the generations. He still kept a corn, cucumber and pumpkin patch well into his 80's. Doug had many wonderful stories to share, and always enjoyed coffee with friends at the rink or cafe, cards at the drop-in, travel, and watching the kids' and grandkids' hockey, volleyball, music, dance, drama, concerts, derby and other activities. Doug also did a lot of woodworking, and hand- crafted many gifts of toy boxes, jewellery boxes, doll beds, board games and crib boards. The cabin at Madge Lake was one of Doug's favourite places, where he loved fishing, golfing, visiting, cards, and fixing anything that needed fixing. He always joked that his golf cart was the most reliable piece of farm equipment he ever owned! In 2012, Doug and Lona moved into Weyburn. As their health needs grew, they moved into Hilltop Manor, where they received wonderful care and support. They were grateful to be able to spend their last few years together, and share quality time with family and friends. They also appreciated the music, dancing, and visits of so many community and church volunteers. Even as his health declined, and after the loss of Lona, Doug maintained his easy-going disposition and sense of humor. He was glad "to be on the right side of the grass!" and still loved a game of crib or crokinole, and friendly banter. His steadfast character, work ethic, integrity, and his love, support and dedication to his family, church and community, have left a powerful legacy. Thank you to all who have been a part of Doug and Lona's life over the years. We extend deep gratitude and thanks to the Hilltop staff for the compassionate care they have provided, especially through the past year of Covid restrictions, as they worked tirelessly to support our loved ones and to help keep everyone safe. Thank you so much to all who have sent condolences, support, and shared stories and memories of Doug. A Celebration of Doug's life will be held at a later time. "Death sets the soul at Liberty to fly" ~Thomas May. Arrangements are entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn, SK (848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfuneralchapel.com. "Honouring Life and Celebrating Memories." Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn, SK (848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333).