WILSON, WILLARD ARLEIGH - W. Arleigh Wilson of McAdam, NB passed away May 24, 2012 at Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. He was a son of the late Willard N. and Ivy M. (Swan) Wilson. Arleigh was born in 1923 at Harvey Station, NB and was raised and schooled in McAdam. After graduation, he began work for the Canadian Pacific Railway as an electrical apprentice which eventually took him to Montreal, where he met Ruby, his wife of 60 years, love of his life, best friend and life long partner. Shortly after their marriage in 1951, they returned to McAdam where he continued his employment with the CPR for over 40 years. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the community, leading the committee to get a hospital built in McAdam, as a founding member of the McAdam Curling Club, as a 50 plus year member of the Board of Directors of McAdam Credit Union, as a driving force in the establishment of the Lakeland Sheltered Workshop, and as a life long member and elder of St. Paul’s United Church. Beyond his involvement with the community and his job, he was an avid fisherman and hunter who greatly enjoyed the outdoors at both his cottage and hunting camp. Those who met him were always impressed with his ready humour, smile and sage advice about every aspect of life. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Ruby P. (Jeary) Wilson; three sons, Dwight Wilson (Patricia), New Maryland, NB, Shamus Wilson (Wendy), Burnaby, BC and Grant Wilson, McAdam, NB; three grandchildren, Colin Wilson (Tu Van), Justin Wilson (Meghan), both of Kingston, ON and Amy Wilson, Ottawa, ON; five great grandchildren, Lana, Kira, Aidan, Caitlin and Rowan; a brother, Herbert Wilson (Pearl), McAdam, NB; a sister, Clarice Melanson (Stanley), Fredericton, NB; a sister-in-law, Jennie Wolf, Summerside, PE; several nieces and nephews and everyone who knew him. He touched many lives in a positive way. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a granddaughter, Coleen Amy.
Although there will be no visitation, friends are welcome to attend a funeral service at St. Paul’s United Church, McAdam, NB on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. With Rev. Ellen Beairsto officiating. Interment in Rockland Cemetery. There will be a reception at the church immediately following. For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Arleigh, the family has suggested a charity of the donor’s choice in lieu of flowers. Arrangements by Swan Funeral Home, Harvey Station, NB.www.flewellingswan.com