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WILKENS: Gunter (George)

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2019_01wilkens

Peacefully on January 16, 2019 at the Champlain Manor in Orillia at the age of 91.

Cherished and devoted husband to Helen (nee Barginda) for 64 years. Predeceased by his parents, Heinrich Wilkens and Margret Wohler, and by his sons, Larry, Brian and Craig. Dearly beloved Opa to Tiffany, Ariol, Vanessa, Anika and Aidan. Born in Bremen, Germany, George emigrated to Canada in 1953 with a number of his friends to Toronto, Ontario. He eventually found a permanent job with De Havilland Aircraft in Downsview, Ontario and worked there until his retirement in 1990.

He retired with his wife, Helen, from their home in Newmarket to their cottage in Washago on the Black River. They eventually moved to Orillia and lived in Silver Creek Estates, Muskoka Court Apartments and finally at Champlain Manor. Knowing the importance of exercise, George was dedicated to keeping himself physically active. He started up a wrestling club in Aurora, and was also a member of various fitness centres in Newmarket and Orillia. He often gave squash players half is age, a run for their money. Always a frugal person and a hands-on learner, he did many jobs himself, from building a tent trailer and a garage addition, to building the cottage in Washago. As he would often say, “you should always flip a nickel twice, before you spend it”.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer with family members.




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