Herbert "Bert" Wilkinson

Bert, I first met you when Mom & Dad bought a house in Rockheights in the early 60´s and we became neighbors. I was about 12 or 13 and to me you were a big friendly bear who liked to rough-house. You were always trying to get me to join the London Boxing Club and I told you I had tried boxing and didn´t like getting hit in the face. You told me that you would teach me how to defend against that, but, I was stubborn and proceeded to get hit in the face many times at school. Ah well, live and learn eh Bert? I was also a witness to all the parties at our place (I won´t be specific) and the annual New Year´s Eve Parade down Rockheights at Midnight. Not sure if you played a Pot or a Pan, but, there were guitars, bugles and a bunch of happy revelers marching down the street every year despite a few neighbors concerns. Years later you called and invited me to throw some horseshoes with some of your friends. I thought, great, throw some shoes, drink some beer. What´s not to like. Well, I was definitely out of my league. The word serious comes to mind when I recall the skill I witnessed from both you and your friends. That was the end of my playing days. We lost track of each other until the Harbourcats came to town. For a few years my brother and I would see you at some of the afternoon games and maybe have a refreshment or two.
I´ll miss that booming laugh and wide smile. It appears that you fought hard until the last gasp as a true firefighter would do. Rest in Peace Bert. It was a real pleasure to know you.

Dear Sharon, Linda, Christine and Cathy, in the sixties I was lucky enough to play softball in Esquimalt with two wonderful coaches, Cliff Robinson and Bert Wilkinson. Fast forward to the late Eighties, I was lucky enough to re-acquaint with Coach Wilkinson at VCC.!
What a wonderful surprise to reminisce playing ball with Linda. Judy and Marlene Robinson and forging a new "adult" relationship with a very revered coach from my youth. I feel very blessed to have had that opportunity.
My most sincere condolences to the Wilkinson family, holding you all in my prayers.
Sue Cooper (formally Phair).

My condolances to Bert's family. He was a fine gentleman, and I was proud to be his friend. We had many good times at the Annual Firefighters Curling Bonspiels. He was truly a good friend.

There are few of the Charcoal Gang left in VFD.
So heartbreaking. My sincere condolences.