Edward Wilk

Edward Wilk passed away on March 20th in Oakville, Ontario.

A proud first generation Canadian, Ed was born on July 25 1936, the second son of Polish immigrants who had settled in Toronto. He and his older brother Henry were raised surrounded by other Polish, Ukrainian and Jewish kids in the bustling neighbourhood of Parkdale. He attended Parkdale Collegiate Institute where he excelled in football, track and field, and hockey. He was awarded the George Freeman Parkdale Athlete of the Year trophy in 1956. Ed always had a strong attachment to his high-school years and was happy to share fond memories of growing up in the 50’s which he considered the “best of times”. He remained active in the Parkdale Alumni Assoc. his entire life. During summer vacation, Ed would help his father build homes in the rapidly growing city and he used these skills throughout his life.

After graduation, he spent a brief period at U.W.O. before enrolling in teachers college in 1960 where he met the love of his life Dianne (née Ketchen). They were married in 1964 and son Paul and daughter Lisa followed soon after. Second son David was born in 1971. Only working in teaching for a short time, Ed was recruited by the Business Development Bank of Canada as a loans officer in 1965. This led to the family moving to Sudbury, Clarkson, Sault Ste Marie and Montreal before settling in Oakville in 1975. Ed enjoyed a long career with various government agencies before retiring in 2000.

Ed was an active participant in the lives of his children and like many parents spent numerous bleary-eyed mornings driving to hockey practice and standing in freezing cold arenas. He generously volunteered his time coaching hockey and soccer and was an executive member with the Oakville Antoinettes Gymnastic Club.

Edward loved to “hold court” at the head of the table and possessed a great joie de vivre. He enjoyed nothing more than a meal surrounded by friends and family. Ed carving the turkey was really his opportunity to pre-sample the bird. He had a special love for dancing and was always quick to “cut a rug” whenever he heard his favourite song “American Pie”. In retirement he enjoyed cruising and went on several trips to France, Italy (and in his mind Belize).

Ed was a skilled carpenter and avid mechanic. His handiwork lives on in homes and under hoods across Ontario. Not without his foibles, his family enjoyed ribbing him for his somewhat “frugal” ways. Of course, his frugality was accompanied by abundant generosity towards those he cared for.

Later in life, Ed and Dianne welcomed the raising of their grandson Nicholas with the same dedication and love shown to their own children. His nickname “Pappy” was bestowed upon him by his grandson.

Edward is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Dianne, children Paul (Dayna), Lisa (Mike), David and grandson Nicholas, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Henry. A celebration of his life will take place in May.

Donations can be made in Ed’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society. Special thanks to the staff of Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital whose compassion will not be forgotten.

“A long, long time ago

I can still remember how the music

Used to make me smile

And I knew if I had my chance

That I could make those people dance

And maybe they’d be happy for awhile”

– Don McLean