Wilkinson: Clifford Henry “Harry”,
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Harry, on March 5, 2022 at 86 years old. He was a gentle and caring man who befriended and respected everyone. His interests were many and varied- including flying, fishing, sailing, curling, carpentry, and choir singing. A native of Vancouver Island he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from UBC and then joined the RCAF where he earned his pilot’s wings. He served for 26 years then retired from military life. The posting he most enjoyed was as Commanding Officer of 436 Hercules Squadron in Trenton. Another memorable experience was training on high speed and altitude jets at Edwards Air Force Base in California, earning test pilot rating.
Harry leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years Norma, his children Jim (Nancy), Patty (Sam Brouwer), and David (Peggy), his grandchildren Vicki and Alex, and great grandchildren Archie and Ellie. His loss is deeply felt by his sister Josie (Keith Bridal) in Chilliwack BC, and his extended family- Jim and Sharon Garbutt, Dan and Mary Garbutt, Peter and Kathy Fischer, Rick and Irene French, Judy Garbutt (the late Jack), Debi Garbutt (the late Gary), and his many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham, Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Thursday March 10, 2022 from 4-7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday March 11, 2022 at 2pm in St. James Church Colgan. Cremation will follow. Donations in Harry’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
“I have soared high and touched the face of God.”
Service
Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham, ON, L0G1W0
Thursday March 10, 2022
4pm - 7pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. James Church Colgan
2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Colgan
Friday March 11, 20222pm
John & Diane Harrett says
Norma & family.
Our sincere condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Harry will be truly missed.
Anne and Bruce Mason says
Condolences to the Wilkinson and Garbutt families. Although we never met Harry, we have heard our Kathy and Peter Fischer speak highly of him- an accomplished engineer and pilot. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Anne and Bruce Mason
Ottawa,ON
Charmaine Wall says
Dear Norma,
My heart is saddened to learn of Harry’s passing. I pray you feel the LORD’s hand upon your shoulder. He has you in this time of sorrow.
“Psalm 34:18. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Sincerely, Charmaine
Joyce Deugo says
Norma and family,
Sending my thoughts, prayers and lots of love. Harry was a kind man and will be missed by all that he has known. Take care of yourself that’s important now. Cherish your memories of a very long life together.
Madelyn & Hal Rutledge says
Dear Norma and family
Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Kathy Fischer says
I’ll always remember Harry, humming as he walked and having really funny one-liners. Non-judgmental and understated, he was always available to chat. He will be greatly missed. Love to all.
Eileen Walker says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Norma, I will always remember his beautiful voice in the St Francis choir and our conversations after church, rest in peace Harry
Dan and Mary says
Dearest Norma, Jim, Patty, David and families.
You are in our thoughts, and our hearts go out to you during your time of grieving for the loss of your wonderful Harry. We cherish the memorable family get togethers in years past where we shared in great meals, laughter and family singing. Harry always had a smile on his face and a warm embrace for everyone. He will be sadly missed but leaves us with warm memories.
Rest in Peace Harry in the Lord’s embrace.
Theresa Wainwright says
Norma and family, I’m sorry to hear of the loss of Harry. He was such a gentle, friendly man and you had many wonderful years of memories together. It was always a pleasure to see you two on Sunday mornings and have a little chat with both of you. I’ll be thinking of you as you go through this sad time. Theresa Wainwright
John, Monika & Sarah Brouwer says
Dear Norma, Patti and Family,
Please receive our most sincere condolences!
Yes Harry was a wonderful person, an example to all of us!
Shannon says
My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. He flies amongst the Angels now
Anne and Peter van Dyk says
Norma and Family.
Our condolences for the loss of Harry. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peter and Anne van Dyk.
Shauna Henry says
Our deepest condolences to the entire family at this sad and difficult time. Be there for each other and share all the wonderful memories over the years that will forever remain in your hearts.
John, Shauna & Emily Henry.
Mary Doldersum says
Dear Norma, Patty and Family
Ralph and I were so sorry to read of Harry’s passing.
Our thoughts are with you.
Mary-Irene French says
Norma, we hope that all the love that surrounds you, Jim, Pat and David will help you to carry forward and cope with the passing of Harry. It is with sadness that I must send this message instead of being with you at this time. Love , as always, forever, Irene and Rick
Margo & John Cooney says
Patty, we are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you, your Mom and your entire family.
The Conlan/Costanzo Family, says
To the Wilkinson and Garbutt families:
Our deepest condolences to all the families, as we send healing prayers and caring thoughts for comfort on the loss of a brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
It’s life’s harsh reality that in the end, we can only hold onto “memories” and not the people we made them with. Wishing you peace and solace in the beautiful memories you created together as a family.
Most sincerely,
Tony, Jacqueline, and Leighton
(Tom and Lori Conlan’s sister/sister-in-law)
Jess Lipsett says
What an amazing man and what a remarkable life. Praying that you’ll find comfort in all your special memories of Harry.
With our deepest condolences,
Jess and Paula
Kim and Kevin Dermott says
Patty our sincere condolences to your entire family
John Wiederhold says
Norma; Very sad to hear of Harry’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Evelyn and John
Christine Gleeson says
Dear Norma,
Although my husband Stephen and I did not get to meet your beloved husband, the stories you have told us of him and the beautiful marriage you have shared all these years, have made him very real to us both.
May you and your family be comforted by the Good Lord in your time of sorrow.
Please know how very inspirational your beautiful relationship with Henry has been to us.
May he forever Rest in the Peace of Christ.
Christine & Stephen Gleeson
Pat Treleaven says
Sending sincere condolences to you Norma and your family on your loss of Harry. I always looked forward to, and enjoyed, your office visits with Dr Pressnail. Okay, and to be truthful, your chicken salad sandwiches were awesome and I was always so touched that you would think to bring me one when you came for Harry’s visits. I think of you every time I mix up chicken salad.
Sharron, Paul and Dianne Smith says
Norma, our hearts are broken for you and the family. Our sincerest condolences. My family have many fond memories of Harry, I remember when he danced with Sami at home depot quite a few years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stella and Jozef Ciezadlo says
Dear Norma; I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Wishing you peace, comfort and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Our Condolences to the whole Family.
Rest In Peace Harry
Margaret Russell says
Love to Norma and all of Harry’s family. Harry was a usher at
our wedding in Sept 1956, Harry and Frank met at UBC Engineering, trained together in the RCAF during the summers and entered the military upon graduation. We teased Harry that we had to approve of the girl he married, They drove through the night and arrived at our door in the very very early hours. We were at Cold Lake Base at the time – northern Alberta, I think they were coming from Manitoba, and that is how we met Norma. Yes we heartily approved. They have been dear, kind and loving friends all these years. So many memories. Fly high and Rest In Peace Harry, you will be missed by all your many friends.