Richard B. Wilkinson

Wilkinson, Richard Bird "Dick" 82, passed away on April 3, 2012 in Scottsdale, AZ. Dick was born July 15, 1929 in Aurora, IL to Robert Leo and Ruby Adele (nee: Bird) Wilkinson. He attended Marmion Military Academy and East Aurora High School in Aurora, IL and Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, majoring in Industrial Engineering, Time and Motion Study. He was employed by Tuttle & Kift, Inc. before becoming a self-employed contractor. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 and served in the Korean conflict as a Corporal. He was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces in 1952. He married Lillian Ann Bayci of Joliet, IL on October 1, 1949, and together they lived in Aurora and were blessed with 50 years of marriage and two children. The couple moved to Hicksville, OH in 1999. She preceded him in death in 2000. He was also preceded in death by both of his parents, a sister, Betty Elaine a.k.a. "Judy Kelly" and two brothers, Robert Leo Wilkinson, Jr. and Roger David Wilkinson. Affectionately known as "Bird" to family and friends alike, he never met a stranger as he made friends everywhere he went and lived. Known best for his keen intelligence, sharp wit and wry sense of humor, he kept all whom he encountered on their toes. He was a wordsmith and especially enjoyed reading science fiction, working crosswords and sudoku. He also enjoyed studying aviation and had earned his pilots license. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Chapter 2556 in Hicksville, OH, and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22 in Scottsdale, AZ. He is survived by his son Richard Bird Wilkinson, Jr. (Gillian Ward) and daughter, Joy (Chuck) Martin and his sister, Judith Wilkinson Vester Dunn (Larry Doran). He is also survived by five grandchildren: Jennifer Ann Ankney (Paul), Natalie Joy Wilkinson (Josh Flowers-Pasquith), Charles Richard Martin (Cally), Jeremy Benjamin Martin, and Taylor Rose Wilkinson, four great-grandchildren: Vanessa, Lillian, Char, and Canyon, and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. He had been residing in Scottsdale, AZ with his fiance, Yvonne Crain in recent years. He was also very close with her family, daughter Kim Lank (Perry) and children Nicole and Jake. Celebration of Dick's life was held at the Scottsdale DAV #22 on April 7th, 2012. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Dick's name to the Disabled American Veterans or to your local Hospice.