Carl Wilkerson

Carl Wilkerson hated one question above all others: "What do you do?" The question is normative and well-meaning, but it implied an underlying philosophy that Carl found problematic: the idea that our paid job defines us. Like many creative people, Carl had too many diverse projects in various stages of development to summarize in a word or phrase. At the heart of things, Carl was analytical, artistic, articulate, philosophical, curious, and mathematical in his approach to any challenge. Let us also remember that laughter and having fun were always part of the mix. What he did was much more about those traits than any title or role he filled.

On paper, he was a good student who earned a BS in Mathematics from Wake Forrest University and an MBA from Goizueta School of Business at Emory University. He also took extensive courses in statistics, which he mainly applied to his gaming hobbies rather than any formal work.

Carl was a superb photographer who did not let colorblindness rob him of intensely colorful subjects. Carl enjoyed doing math for fun. He loved to play sports, board games, and analyze teams and players in great detail. Moneyball was his favorite sports book and film. Carl wrote and composed music, often with a sense of humor. Carl co-authored a book with his wife. He also wrote a blog for Psychology Today. He and his wife produced two radio shows: one, an early podcast called "Coffee Shop," and the other, on CFUV FM in Victoria, BC, called "First Person, Plural."

Carl made many videos in his life, most of which were humorous commentaries on people, places, and things that caught his gaze, and therefore also his scrutiny. He hosted a documentary about social capital and cats. He also wrote the music for many of his productions.

Having shared all that, it is his breathtaking photos that have earned Carl the highest praise and attention as an artist. Seeking out the best photo opportunities was part of his daily life almost to his last day.

In addition to his creative and intellectual endeavors, Carl would have said his job was "taking care of Pattie." Since 1997, when she became ill from what eventually would be diagnosed as lupus. Carl devoted his life to caregiving. Due to his devotion, Pattie was able to complete her PhD and pursue a career in her field, first as a researcher and then as a professor. He also became an advocate for family caregivers.

Carl Wilkerson was a man of integrity and was authentic in ways few people are nowadays. He lived with fibromyalgia for the last 17 years and understood how tough it is to face personal illness while caregiving for others. He lived a whole life, stayed true to his values, and showed love and devotion to those dearest to him, including all the animals in his life.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Pattie Thomas, and his legacy, which includes his songs, pictures, videos, and writings. His spirit of honesty and devotion carries on as his legacy. His life was a life well-lived that was sadly cut short by cancer. He is deeply missed.