Herbert "Bert" Wilkinson

WILKINSON, Herbert (Bert)
September 30, 1930 -
January 14, 2023
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Bert Wilkinson. After battling Cardiac Amyloidosis since 2020, Bert has earned his final rest. His loving family were by his side. Predeceased by his parents, Tom & Hope, and 8 siblings. Bert grew up at the family farm, Shincliffe in Cobble Hill. He attended many fall fairs in Cobble Hill and was a member of the 4H Club.
Bert married his first wife, Val, in 1951. They had 3 daughters, Linda (Mike), Christine and Cathy.
In 1976 Bert met Sharron. It was the beginning of a new love story. They married in 1979 and Sharron's daughter Ann-Marie (Darrell) and son Billy became part of his new family. Bert also leaves 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren to remember "Poppa", as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was with the Victoria Fire Department for 34 years, retiring in 1989 having obtained the position of Deputy Fire Chief. He had many memorable times with the Department and said it was the best job he ever had.
Bert was involved in many sports at a young age. He excelled in Boxing, becoming the Vancouver Island Golden Boy in 1954. He also trained boxers, and was inducted into the B.C. Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame as a Builder. He coached young women in softball and took them to the Canadian Championships representing B.C. in 1974. In 2009 he won the Gold Medal in Horseshoes at the World Police Fire Games. He was an avid curler for the fire department and enjoyed horseshoes and Lawn bowling for many years. Bert & Sharron shared many happy times at Sandown Racetrack, where they first met, and their many travels to Europe & England. Their most memorable trips were to Portugal, their safari trip to South Africa & the Mediterranean, especially Mykonos & Santorini.
He loved his gardening and his dahlias and begonias were his pride & joy.
Above everything else, he loved his family and the family reunions were so special to him. All the family loved hearing about his life growing up on the farm.
Many thanks to the Palliative Care ward at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their kindness to Bert and for making him as comfortable as possible.

A Celebration of Bert's Life will be held at 2:00pm, on February 16, 2023, in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS, the Burn Fund, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com