Daryl Gavin Wilkie

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.