Donald James Wilkie
Born In: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: April 5th, 2009
Peacefully and with the same dignity he lived his life, Donald James Wilkie died early on the morning of April 5, 2009, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, surrounded by family who thought the world of him.
Devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather, Donnie was born in North Sydney, where he lived almost his entire life. He was the son of the late William and Irene (Fougere) Wilkie.
He is survived by Joanne (Cotter), his wife and best friend of 50 years. Also surviving are his daughter, Karen (James Kulchyski) of Sioux Lookout, Ont.; his sons, Scott, Vancouver, and Don, Montréal; grandchildren, Kristyn and Ryan; sisters, Joyce Lachapelle, Freda MacLeod and Brenda (Mel) Birmingham; brothers, Edgar, Albert (Phyllis), Georgie (Lexie) and Gordie (Muriel); sister-in-law, Mary (Kehoe) Wilkie; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Mulley, brother, Arthur, and brothers-in-law, Gilbert Lachapelle and Hugh MacLeod.
Donnie had a long career as a commercial sales representative and was a life-long member of the Northwest Commercial Travellers Association. A member of St. Joseph Church, North Sydney, he was also very active in community volunteer programs, most of which were run by the local Kiwanis Club, where he was a member for over 15 years. When not immersed in church and community work, his greatest passion was horses, many of which he owned and trained through the years with his like-minded brothers, and he was a member of both the Cape Breton and Northside Horseman associations. Another love was music, which always raised his spirits and which he indulged as often as possible at concerts big and small, and with his ever-growing music collection. He was also immensely proud of the great island of Cape Breton, and collected friendships, stories, and local history from virtually every crag and corner of it.
Because his kindness, warmth, and good humour were always and immediately on display, many will miss and fondly remember him.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, April 7 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, April 8 at 10 a.m. in St Joseph Church, with Rev. Jim Attwood officiating. Burial to follow at in Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers (family only), donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Cancer Center expansion, or a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com.
