Obituary of John Robert Wilson

Wilson, John Robert, a resident of R.R. #5, Blenheim. John R. Wilson died Tuesday June 24, 2008 at Riverview Gardens, Chatham at the age of 81. Born in Chatham, Ontario son of the late Harry & Edith (Johnson) Wilson. Beloved husband of Dorothy Marie (Balmer) Wilson. Dear father of Jill & Terry Dickinson, Chatham and Jeff & Jennifer Wilson, R.R. #1, Charing Cross. Predeceased by an infant son. Grandfather of Teri (Ryan) Jenner & Adam Dickinson; Patty, Rosemary, John & Matthew Wilson. Brother of George & Sharlet Wilson, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Agnes & Edd Masters, Niagara Falls and the late Geraldine Wilson. (2002). Also survived by several nieces and nephews. John had a lifelong love of farming in Harwich Township, a former member and director of the Kent County Cattleman’s Association, the Ontario Cattleman Association, The Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame, Vice-Chairman of the Ontario Sugar Beet Marketing Board, Past Board Member of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Board, The Land Division Committee for Kent County and an Inductee into the Kent County Agricultural Hall of Fame. He was a former and active member of the Blenheim Rotary Club, received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award and the 1994 Rotarian of the Year Award. John was also active in Christ Church having served as People’s Warden, Rector’s Warden and a member of the Church Board of Management. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at Christ Church, Anglican on Saturday June 28, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Paul Millward officiating. Cremation with Private Family Interment in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Blenheim Rotary Club or Christ Church Anglican Memorial Fund appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St., Chatham (519) 351-2040