Dr. Harold Wilkinson of Yorkton, beloved husband of Wilma Wilkinson, passed away on December 12, 2016 at the age of 94 years. Harold Richard Wilkinson was born on February 28, 1922 in Inglewood, ON to Rev. John Richard Wilkinson and Mary Freda (Crabtree) Wilkinson. He grew up in Wiarton, Meaford and various communities in Ontario. In 1942, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Ordinance Corp, Instrument Division and served in Newfoundland for three years. In 1945 Harold enrolled into the College of Optometry at the University of Toronto. There were 94 men and 6 women in his class, one of whom was Wilma Langrill. Following his graduation, he set up his practice in Preston, ON for two years before moving to Yorkton to practice optometry with Wilma. He was an Optometrist for 43 years in Yorkton. Harold and Wilma were married on August 29, 1951 and were blessed with two children, Doug of Yorkton and Diane of Morinville, AB. Harold was very active in his community and in St. Andrew's United Church. Some of the activities that were near and dear to Harold were: Trans Canada Trail, Boy Scouts, Banff Men's Conference, stamp collecting, Camp McKay, Older Boys Youth Parliament, bird watching and the Natural History Society. He was also instrumental in lobbying for the Ravine Ecological Preserve in Yorkton. He started an investment club in Yorkton that flourished for many years. He was an active member of the Kinsmen as well as a Past President and honourary lifetime member. He was the treasurer with the Yorkton Rotary Club, had perfect attendance for 25 years and was a multiple recipient of the Paul Harris Award. He was a lifetime member and an honourary member of the Saskatchewan Association of Optometry. He served as president of the Natural History Society and was a member of the Whooping Crane Society. He served as camp director at Camp McKay and served on the Board of Sask. Camping Association of United Church & Camp McKay Board as well as a trustee and board member of St. Andrew's United Church. He also sat on the board of York Lake Regional Park Authority. Above all things and in spite of all the activities he was involved in, his family came first! Harold was predeceased by his parents John & Mary Wilkinson and his sister Elfreda. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life: his beloved wife of 65 yearsWilma, son Doug (Deb), granddaughter Melissa (Allan), great-grandchildren Luke, Madelyn, Johanna, Sophia; granddaughter Chelsea (Braden), great-grandchildren Halle and Kaelem; daughter Diane (Roelof) granddaughter Leeza (Sean), great-grandchildren Andi and Emri, granddaughter Michella and granddaughter Shelayne. The Funeral Service was held Friday, December 16, 2016 at St. Andrew's United Church in Yorkton with Rev. Jen Dresser officiating. A Tribute and Words of Remembrance were shared by Harold's granddaughters. The organist, Shani Apland led St. Andrew's Choir in the singing of the hymns, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "Day Is Done" and "For The Beauty of the Earth". A Legion Tribute Service was conducted by members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Alexander Ross Branch #77. Serving as casket bearers were Harold's granddaughters. The interment took place in the Family plot in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Harold may be made to the Trans Canada Trail Association, St. Andrew's United Church Endowment Fund or to the Canadian Optometric Education Trust Fund as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com
