Stephen (Steve) W. Wilkie
WILKIE, Stephen “Steve” William – Of Guelph, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren on November 10, 2023 at Hospice Wellington.
Beloved husband of 47 years to Kathy and proud, loving father to Gregory Wilkie (Anna Pal) and Allison Wilkie Iliakis (Chris). Cherished Grandpa to Clara, Maya, Emily, and Madelyn. Predeceased by his parents Russell and Olga Wilkie of Kingston, Ontario. Loved brother to Anna Egli (Bobby) and Doug Wilkie (Ellen) and uncle to many nieces and nephews.
A graduate of York University, Steve’s career progressed over more than four decades in supply chain management and logistics in consumer-packaged goods industries, including Pepsi Cola Canada, Carling O’Keefe Brewery, Molson Breweries, Diageo, and Sleeman Breweries.
Steve was an avid triathlete, competing in more than 150 competitions locally, nationally, and internationally since 1987. These included 25 half-marathons, 6 marathons, 9 Olympic distance triathlons and he finished 21 out of 47 in his age group in Ironman Wisconsin with a time of 15 hours 36 minutes and 30 seconds. More recently, he represented Canada in his age group at the 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series in Montreal, Quebec.
Steve was an active member of the Guelph Triathlon Club and enjoyed running with several local running groups. He will be greatly missed by his fellow athletes and many friends.
Steve had a life-long love of the outdoors and enjoyed camping, canoeing, and hiking. He shared these passions and talents volunteering as a Scout Leader for more than a decade with 1st Oak Ridges Scouts. He also gave freely of his time as a volunteer driver with the Canadian Cancer Society “Wheels of Hope” and as a “side-walker” with Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre.
Steve was a voracious reader and always up for a fun round of golf, especially with his son and son-in-law. He loved many genres of music, but particularly songs and artists from the 50s and 60s for which he was a master at music trivia. Steve loved traveling and treasured the many vacations and cruises he and Kathy shared with their children, grandchildren and “travel buddies”.
The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude for the excellent care Steve received at Guelph General Hospital, Grand River Regional Cancer Centre and from the team at Bayshore Home Health Care throughout his illness. We also give special thanks to the many “angels” (professional staff and volunteers) at Hospice Wellington for the incomparable care, kindness, and compassion they provided Steve and our family as his long and difficult journey came to an end. We also give special thanks to Dr. A. Batra and Dr. C. Shafir for their exceptional care.
A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023. Please contact Kathy at kathy10112023@gmail.com for details.
Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
In memory of Steve, donations to Hospice Wellington or Guelph General Hospital would be appreciated by the family.
A tree will be planted in memory of Stephen (Steve) W. Wilkie in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.