Daryl Gavin Wilkie

We have been neighbours with Daryl and Ginny since 2002. Darryl and Ginny were always a caring couple and a positive influence in the neighbourhood. Every tome we exchanged pleasantries, you came away feeling better. Whether it was walking Molly and Cricket or going for picnics at the river, Darryl and Ginny were always enjoying being together. We miss Darryl but we feel fortunate to have known him as our neighbour for over 20 years. Piero and Elaine.

Seldom, you meet a person like Daryl… I was lucky enough to not only meet him, but also to be his friend.. he was a man that loved to laugh, loved his dogs, loved life, but most of all , his family … true to the end , he never stopped loving , and talking about his extraordinary family. He was a very proud man , and said to me , how lucky he was, to be totally in love with Ginny, and really looked forward to every day with her.. the special breakfasts, lunches, and walks with their fur babies meant so much to Daryl.. He will be sorely missed by me, and this community… rest in peace my friend..

Daryl I am very saddened that you had to leave so soon, you were not finished living your wonderful life with Ginny. Cancer, sadly had its own plans. Rob and I were amazed at how you stayed so positive and calm throughout your battle. You are an inspiration. The story of Ginny and Daryl began 52 years ago and I was honoured to be there at the very beginning. Ginny was absolutely smitten from the moment you two met and that never changed over all these years. A real fairytale story. Daryl will live on through his wonderful sons and grandchildren, and through all the wonderful memories you all share. Rest in peace Daryl.

Daryl drifted in and out of my life but we always enjoyed each other's company and it was as if the gaps in between never existed. Reading all these wonderful tributes confirms what I always felt about Daryl - his warmth, his humor and his steadfastness. We first met in high school, the hallowed halls of Point Grey. I even took drama class with Ginny, not knowing the two were destined for each other. Flash forward some years. Paulette and I loved to walk, and so did the Wilkies it turned out, and we would stand and chat for long periods in the night air. A few years back we shared time on Maui and it was lovely to reconnect. Daryl was kind enough to reach out via email only a couple of months ago, and while he shared news of his cancer battle he was upbeat and mainly wanted to share news of teachers we both had all those years ago. I can't imagine a loss such as this, but I know the bond of love is strong in their family, and I hope the memories and the love can see you through the darker nights. Imagine it as a walk, knowing you'll meet friends along the way.

Dear Daryl, It’s hard to find the right words to say good-bye, but I hope this letter conveys even a fraction of what you meant to all of us. Your life was a shining example of kindness, strength, and love — a legacy that will endure long after your passing. Though cancer may have taken you from us, it could never take away the memories you created or the love you shared with those around you. You were a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a constant force of inspiration to everyone. Your courage through your illness was nothing short of extraordinary. You faced every challenge with grace and resilience, never letting it dim your light. Your love for Ginny-Ann was a gift to witness— a love that was steadfast, unconditional and true. Together, the two of you showed us what it means to support and cherish someone through all of life’s seasons. I know your absence leaves an unfillable void in her heart, but I also know the strength you instilled in her will carry her through. We will carry forward your memory by honoring the lessons you taught us: to love deeply, to be present, and to face life with courage. While we mourn your loss, we also celebrate your life — one that touched so many and left this world a better place for having you in it. Rest peacefully now, knowing that your love and spirit will remain with us always. Love forever, Lori-Etta Taub

We are grateful to have known Daryl as a friend and neighbor. Daryl’s kindness and attentiveness to his dogs, and other dogs in the neighborhood, was evident to all of us in the neighborhood. The neighborhood will not be the same without him.

Daryl, you were a very lucky man. You found a very special person early in life and produced magic with her. Your love and devotion for each other shone through everything you did, especially apparent in your two boys. Not many men will live a life as full of love, respect and admiration as you did. Your kindness and emotional generosity touched many lives, and it is safe to say that the world is a better place for many that you helped along the way. Rest In Peace.

It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Daryl, our neighbor of over 30 years. Daryl was the epitome of kindness and positivity, a man whose warm nature and quiet strength left an impression on everyone who knew him. Whether it was a friendly wave, a thoughtful conversation, or the sight of him and Ginny walking their dogs together each day, his presence brought a sense of warm comfort to our neighborhood. Even in Daryl's final days, he faced life with remarkable grace and never a single complaint. Our deepest condolences go to his beloved wife Ginny, his sons Justin, Kieran, their spouses, and their four grandchildren. Please know that your loss is felt by all of us who had the privilege of knowing Daryl. He will always be remembered as a truly exceptional neighbor and friend. With heartfelt sympathy, Denise and Chris

Daryl, I will always remember your awesome “dad humour” and how welcome you made me feel when we were at your house for game/movie nights with Kieran. I’m so sorry you had to leave this life too soon and I hope your family can find comfort in your peace. You will forever remain in the hearts of so many people. Ginny, Kieran, and Justin, my heart breaks for you and my thoughts are with you during this unimaginably difficult time. Those who live in your memories are never truly gone. Much love to you all.

I just don't know where to start, I guess at the beginning. I was moved out to Vancouver(Kerrisdale) when I was 5 yrs old. The first kid I met was Daryl(he was 6). His Mom, Helen, insisted that Daryl escort me to school. Of course, Daryl was thrilled with this. It was the beginning of a life long friendship. It was not without it's ups and downs. He beat me down, and he helped me up. We shared so many experiences in the 70 years we knew each other, too many to list here. I knew all the Wilke brothers quite well as I grew up with them as well. But Daryl and I were closest. He guided me through life like a little brother. He loved so many things in life, but ultimately nothing could match the love he had for Ginny, and then the extended family in Justin and Kieran, and the grandchildren. Daryl, even though we were not close in the end, the years we were close will never be replaced. We had some wild times. I am sorry that you suffered in the end, it was not how we imagined it years ago. I am sorry that we did not get together and relive the past as seniors will do. I miss you, say Hi to Greig and your Mom and Dad.

You have lived a life that has touched many, Daryl, both as a social worker and as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. While we grieve your loss here on earth, I believe you are alive in eternity and we will one day meet again. You are deeply loved and missed. May you rest in peace, precious man.

Rest in peace, Uncle Daryl. You must have been in tremendous pain when I last saw you, but it never showed as you and Auntie Ginny entertained me with your stories. You two are inseparable in my mind, an enviable lifelong partnership. Your sense of humour and strength of character live on in your two boys. I can’t imagine a better legacy for a beloved husband and father. I hope your big brother, Greig, isn’t being too bossy showing you the ropes. Those Wilkie boys can be a hard-headed bunch. Say hello to Gavin and Helen. To Ginny, Justin, Kieran and your beautiful young families… We’re so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs.

Love you Daryl! I cried often when you were so sick and in so much pain. Thank you for looking after my dear cousin, Ginny and giving us Justin and Kieran and their beautiful families! I thank God every day that I went to visit Vancouver in May! I really enjoyed your company and our little trips around. You were always so accommodating when I visited. I will miss you terribly! But I will help to look after your wife and my cousin Ginny. Bill will search you out! Rest easy dear man!

Daryl was one of my very special true and loyal lifetime friends. We started ‘hanging out’ in grade 9 and were inseparable until he met another friend of mine, Ginny. After that it was Daryl and Ginny that were inseparable. They shared a love and romance for more than 52 years that never lost that sparkle of their early days together. We have been so fortunate to have shared so many wonderful times and experiences with Daryl and Ginny over the years. Daryl was always so smart, so interesting and entertaining and so full of life. As young dreamers we would often stay out half the night, sitting on the rocks at Whycliffe Park or at one of the beaches or parks in Vancouver discussing life and every other topic imaginable, but especially our dreams for the future. You succeeded Daryl with your beautiful and loving wife, your wonderful sons and now your amazing grandchildren. You were a good and deservedly proud man and I am going to miss you more than words can adequately describe.

We are so saddened to hear of Daryl’s passing. He is now free from pain but it is devastating for you Ginny and your family- will never forget the wonderful times we shared together - many years ago- fond memories will never be forgotten. Ginny I always envied the wonderful relationship you and Daryl maintained- you brought up 2 wonderful sons - and you were very proud of their accomplishments. You truly were a loving couple- I regret we never did get you over for dinner- however you and I will do so after Christmas- Love you lots dear friend❤️ Pam and Arnie. XOXO

It's hard for anyone to know what to say to a family going through such a loss, and I certainly don't. However I will say I had the good fortune of growing up near the Wilkies. Justin was friends with my older sister and I counted Kieran amongst my closest friends at multiple life stages. I learned if I came by around dinner time there was a good chance I'd be invited to stay for some delicious ribs and stories at the dinner table. You couldn't find a more welcoming, kind, generous and funny family. Daryl made a lot of peoples lives better. Many that we will probably never know of. With love, Craig.

Daryl was the big brother that I looked up to for 70 years and I will forever hold on to the great memories that we created as youngsters during the 50s and 60s. Like most families, the siblings branch out on their own and Daryl was no different when he married Ginny, the love of his life in August 1975. The marriage was a very tight bond that remained until the end, a bond that produced two great kids, Justin, Kieran and four lovable grandchildren. In spite of the agonizing pain that the cancer caused, Daryl always looked out after his family until the very end, we shall miss you big brother.

Daryl was a walker. He could often be seeing walking in the neighborhood, many times a day. He walked and he chatted with the neighbours he met along the way. Many of those neighbours became friends. He walked gently on this earth but made a big impact with people he met. His biggest impact was with his family who he adored. Ginny, his soul mate, his sons Justin and Kieran, their partners and his beloved grandchildren, were central to the core of who he was. He will be missed by many. My heart goes out to Ginny and to the family.

Every time I take a walk in our neighborhood I would see the two of you walking your pups. I will always see you, Ginny, walking with him beside you.

I am not sure I recognized it as I should have, but Daryl was a true friend. I am missing him tremendously. He supported me through many trials that I seemed to generate for myself. Daryl had a common sense that allowed him to be able to see through difficult circumstances and to bring a reasonable understanding and a sense of humour to bear on those circumstances. It was always refreshing to have the opportunity to spend time with Daryl - including the periodic lunches that we would share with our friend, Haris Zakouris. We will remember those lunches, Daryl. I will, also, remember all of the myriad experiences we shared - some to our collective chagrin - working as “child protection” social workers. You are, and always will be, a forever friend.