Roderick Grey Wilkinson
November 2nd, 2019
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, papa, son, brother, and uncle. He died peacefully at the age of 78 in the presence of his wife of 59 years, Joan (“Babe”), and other loved ones, and was no doubt welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Saviour. His legacy extends well beyond his family to include countless others whom he influenced through his life and ministry. He is predeceased by his mother, Emma, and survived by his father, Arve. He is also survived by his wife, Joan, and his children, Rhonda, Wes (Colleen), Loretta (Glen), and Kevin. He is fondly remembered by 6 siblings, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and many other family members.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 16th at St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, 11601 82nd Ave., Delta, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation or the Langley Hospice Society.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Shocked , reminiscing, sadness and rejoicing could describe the next few days. About 43 years ago we began attending Aldergrove Baptist Church. Pastor Rod and Joan were officiating. We were very young in the faith and soon after Pastor Rod water baptized a group of us. At the memorial we learned it was his first church to Pastor ,he must have been thrilled to baptize us all. God was at work. After hearing of Pastor Rods passing we were a little stunned then began to reminisce of those days. We were so blessed to have such good people and teaching of the Word. We enjoyed the fellowship . There were potluck dinners, Sunday evening services , a special time as we were able to call out hymns we liked to sing and a casual time with the Lord and fellow believers. Several days before the memorial we began wondering who might come. It had now been around 35 years , would we recognize anyone, would anyone recognize us? At the memorial we shared the sadness with the family , we were encouraged by the growth and beautiful family and their love for each other and Rod as well. In awe and amazement old friends saw each other , with mouths wide open ,recognizing each other, said each other’s names. What a joy that was! Thank you Wilkinson family for all you did for us and especially now letting us share in that bitter/sweet day. Thank you for such an extremely uplifting and informative day. It felt like a little taste of heaven. Blessings to you all. Jim and Gaye McKissock
Pastor Rod was the kind of Pastor I would have liked to have at Ruth Morton Baptist Church and beyond all the time; he was so Godly, caring and kind in every way. I was privileged to have him perform my Baptism and Mom's (Stella Rock) and Dad's (Bill Rock) funeral services. I hope my son, Kurtis has met Pastor Rod in Heaven, where although in the glorious presence of Jesus, are so deeply loved and missed here on earth.
We were so sorry to hear of Rod's passing. We remember both of you from many years ago at Faith Baptist Church in Vancouver. Rod installed a bathroom in our little farm house when we moved to Langley, not an easy job, in the 1970's, and did a great job. We have had you all in our prayers since we heard of Rod's illness, and will continue to do so. Elaine and Eugene
Influential "YOU BET" all in a "Positive Way" Loved him-We were young Christians and enjoyed Rods and Joans leadership at Aldergrove Baptist--Jim first met Rod on the ice surface and admired his hockey skills-We were soon to come under Rod's leadership in our christian walks and enjoyed the warmth expressed from Rod and Joan and Family--Jim & Gaye McKissock
To The Wilkinson Family: Ken and I offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Rod. Ken and I worked at the City Hall with Rod for a long time, Ken worked longer with Rod. He was always such a gentleman and a very pleasant disposition. I know he will be greatly missed may you Rest In Peace Rod.
I am sad to hear of Rod’s passing, I worked with him at the City of Vancouver and found him to be a pleasant workmate, diligent in his work and enjoyable to be in his company. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family. Max Grace
We thank God for bringing pastor Rod to Ruth Morton Memorial Baptist Church to be our pastor. His love and concern for the youth was always evident . He and Joan were always willing to open their home to Youth get togethers. Our condolences go out to all the family. Pastor Rod will be greatly missed but always remembered. We are sorry we are unable to attend the memorial service.
How blessed you all are for having a lovely man like Rod in your lives all these years. Now he remains in the hearts and minds of those he touched along the way. His physical pain is over and he is resting in the arms of his Higher Power. As you continue on without Rod’s physical presence may God bless you all with warm memories and comfort and lessening pain. Rod is home.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know Danielle cared about her grandfather a lot. He sounds like a wonderful man. Here are some flowers
"In our times of deepest need the tenderness and grace of Christ is a refuge like no other. He alone understands our sorrows." Caring thoughts and prayers are with you. "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." Deuteronomy 33:27 KJV Marifaith Cole (Mary Wylie's niece)
Rod was only our pastor for a very short time in Aldergrove, but oddly it feels like he has been pastoring us for ages. Rod and Joan have been a part of our lives since those days in the early 80's, encouraging us, praying for us, giving us advice, making us laugh and welcoming us as friends. Rod was the one who helped us both get started at the Aldergrove church and gave us permission to be involved in so many ways. He has always been a model of quiet spirituality and an inspiration to us in his determination to keep on serving and using his gifts in whatever capacity the Lord put him in. He is a wonderful man, and we are looking forward to meeting him again someday, but in the meantime, we pray for peace, strength, and lots and lots of memories of how he lived his life. We thank God for having Rod as part of our lives.
Rod was a man of influence. I appreciated his ability to teach and encourage. When articulating the gospel of Christ Jesus unto salvation for sin Rod was able to make sense and communicate God’s words with clarity to all who heard it. I can only imagine how many people heard the Word that when believed would set them free from the curse of sin and death. And how many people received that very gospel and were blessed by Rod’s teaching of it. An obedient student of Jesus was Rod. “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” John 16:22 NASB Jesus said that suffering and grief will come in this life. His promise is of eternal life. And Rod knew this promise very well. Rod’s trust in God’s promises and faith in salvation made Rod an over comer of this world and death has no sting on a person under God’s Grace in Jesus.
I was so sad to hear that Rod had passed away but echo the thoughts of others here that he left our world to join God and the heavenly host. He is now free and no longer in any kind of pain. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. For myself - I hadn't seen cousin Rod for many years but I will always remember him as a gentle, kind and loving soul who was always happy to welcome my Mom & Dad (Vera & Lorne Bonnett) and myself into his home with a big hug and a happy smile. May the memory of his love and the life he lead be comfort to his family and all who knew him.