Fredrick Richard Wilkinson

May 3, 2023

Fredrick Richard “Rick” Wilkinson (21 Feb 1949 – 3 May 2023) passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer, with family at his side.

Rick grew up in New Westminster, attending Herbert Spencer Elementary, Vincent Massey Junior High and Lester Pearson High School. He also attended Trinity Western Junior College and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Washington State College. He taught high school for many years at North Delta Secondary, coaching and sponsoring many teams, making a positive impact on the lives of his students.

Sports was a large part of Rick’s life, playing basketball, football, track, and field (discus and shot put) and lacrosse. He loved to tell stories of his time with the New Westminster Athletics Lacrosse Club, who became the Canadian Champions in 1966 in Port Arthur, Ontario with Rick as their goaltender.

Rick had many interests, music (he played cello in high school and loved the Beach Boys), old cars (always one in the garage to drive on a sunny day), flying (had his private pilot’s licence and a Ryan Navion aeroplane) water sports (sailing, fishing for salmon at Pender Harbour or water skiing on Lake Whatcom) and traveling with family and friends (Reno and Las Vegas and then cruises to Mexico, Hawaii and Caribbean once retired). He will be remembered by the Marine Drive coffee group and locals where he would hand out dog biscuits and help solve the problems of the world.

Rick will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Messages of Condolence

Mr Wilkinson was one of my all time favourite teachers ,always willing to help out in his classroom or on the football field, I remember talking to him about his Caddie in class ,he was a class act and we talk about him when sit around and drink some beers ,we have some great stories about him ,RIP Mr Wilkinson your one of the good guys !!

- Paulo

So sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at NDSS where I was a Teaching Assisitant in the Learning Disabilities program. Rick was always so understanding and so accomadating to the learning needs of the students in the program. I am sure that he made Math almost a good experience, I know he did for me. He will be fondly remembered, I am sure, by many students and staff.

- Roberta Jones

Totally shocked to hear of Rick's passing. We go back to his Senior year of high school when he was playing football for New West and he tried to dismember me after the game for an incident that I pulled. 10 years later and we were teaching and coaching together at North Delta Senior. Many great trips together and I could fill a book with the stories and memories. Rick was an outstanding athlete across many sports and he was like a tiger on the racquetball court. Always salute his home when in White Rock. Muriel my family's deepest condolences go out to you. Daniel Richard's email was NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Our lives were better thanks to Rick. Miss you already my friend.

- Walter Becker

Rick was one of the most amazing, and talented teachers, friend and colleague. He made a huge contribution to so many students and people. Never will be forgotten by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.

- Cyril & Daphne Frasier

He always had a smile, and something nice to say for everyone he saw. He had lots of compassion, and he motivated many. I remember a lot of the math classes. He made all of them interesting, so that math was fun. RIP Mr. Wilkinson, you will be missed.

- Meredith

Mr. Wilkinson was one of my favourite teachers at NDSS. We kept in touch for several years after I graduated. I had a visit with him at his Birch Bay cabin years ago, before he sold. I was still hopeful that one day we'd have another visit, maybe with Sarge! I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. Wilkie, you were a very special man who left lasting memories with many. My condolences to his family.

- Donna (Feld) Racanelli

I Would like to know if there will b a memorial service for him? Miss Jones spot on message, hits home for me. I’ve lived in white rock for 8 years now after leaving ND, But before moving here, when down here, because this was home away from home, I would wonder about him & his love of Cadillacs. now 44 I always walk around here thinking I’d like to run into him down here somehow-sometime. I wish I knew about the marine drive coffee group! After getting a ‘D’ or C- minus in Math 11 I retook math but math 11A? Anyhow I got an A- I believe! Because of Mr. Wilkinson albeit easier math I still went from a D to an A-! He always took an interest in me. Lost but not forgotten. B. Joys

- Brian

I had Mr. Wilkinson for Math 11a. I hated math but his demeanor and patience made me look forward to his class. The following year, for grade 12 construction, we went to his home to enclose his patio balcony in White Rock. Great memories. Definitely one of my favorite teachers from ND. Condolences to his family.

- Brian Langley

Rick was an amazing colleague, friend, and teacher. He encouraged his students to be the best that they could be. He cherished and challenged his friends to see the humour in various situations and challenged them to be better today than yesterday. He had a "wicked" sense of humour and I have fond memories of trips to Seattle to see the Seahawks. I am still in shock and numb over his passing. You will not be forgotten Rick. Carla and I would like to extend to Muriel and family our heart felt sympathy on the passing of a great and cherished colleague and friend.

- Terence Brown

Rick was a good big cousin to me. Always chatting about life, looked out for me in high school too. Rest In Peace Rick. I am so very sorry for your loss Muriel and all of the Wilkinson family. Love Cousin Pam

- Pamela Kostiuk

So sorry for your loss Muriel. I only met Rick I few times, but I remember him as a very amazing and always happy.. big hugs.

- Susan Ruf

WOW, randomly searching my high school teachers name. Someone who I always think about over the past 20 years. Mr. Wilkinson was my grade 11 math teacher at North Delta. BY FAR, he was my most favorite teacher and class. It was so fun to be a part of his classroom that I looked forward to it every single day. He also let me play Nintendo Gameboy in class because I had the highest mark. Much love. Still miss you. RIP.

- Shaan

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