Card of Thanks and Obituary

Card of Thanks

It is hard to believe two months have slipped by since the passing of Ron. Each day delivers the pain of our loss and the comfort of his memory.  As we continue to adjust to a life without him by our side, our family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who entered his circle of care throughout his illnesses, provided comfort through his final days and held us in their hearts as we said goodbye. 

Ron had multiple illnesses over the past couple years, so it is important to us that each sector of care be recognized. Words cannot aptly express how deeply grateful we are for your part in his journey through diagnosis, treatment  and care. The professionalism and compassion each of the teams extended throughout his care plan has been praiseworthy.  

In no particular order we would like to call recognition to:  Dr. Robyn  MacFarlane, and Dr. Annie McKean, and their teams at the QEll Health Sciences Centre, Dickson Building; Dr. Michael Brennan and Dr. Corne Nel, and their teams at St. Martha's Hospital; Allison Ellsworth Cameron, Ainsley DeCoste and  associates at the VON New Glasgow; Dr. Soumini Kaiprath and team who cared for Ron as his Family Physician. 

And last but not least, a very special thank you to the multiple teams at the Aberdeen Hospital. Over the past couple of years, the care Ron received during his stays on the fourth and fifth floors was exceptional. Ron always spoke very highly of the care he received, and while it is impossible to name every doctor, nurse, therapist, and member of the care team, please know that each of you made a very difficult journey more bearable.

Our family will be forever grateful.

A special thank you to Peter and his team at P&K Funeral Home. Our family was deeply comforted by the care, dignity, and kindness shown by everyone who contributed to Ron’s service and arrangements. The meticulous attention to detail, and the gentleness used to walk us through what would have otherwise been a daunting process, gave way to a beautiful celebration of Ron's life. 

Finally, thank you to our friends, neighbors, and family who called, sent messages, visited, brought food, and made donations in Ron’s memory. Your love, kindness and support will always be remembered and cherished. 

With sincere appreciation to all,

The Family of Ron Wilkinson

John Ronald Wilkinson — lovingly known to family as Ronnie or Ron, and to friends across Pictou County as “Wilkie” — passed away peacefully on November 26th, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Ron was predeceased by his father, Murdock Wilkinson; his stepfather, Jennings Carter; his mother, Agnes Elizabeth (MacDonald) Wilkinson Carter; and his sister, Helen (Wilkinson) Butler.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda (Cahoon) Wilkinson; his brothers George Wilkinson (Judy) and Bryan Carter (Angie); his sister Jean Weiss (Mike); and his brother-in-law Charles Butler. Ron was a devoted father to his three children: Lisa (Wilkinson) MacEachern (Scott), Tracey Wilkinson (David), and Joe Wilkinson (Nicole). He was immensely proud of his 10 grandchildren: Emily MacEachern, Danielle MacEachern, Vaughn MacEachern, Hailey Morgan, Chase Morgan, Jordan Morgan, Tess Morgan, Gabriel Morgan, Jacob Wilkinson, and Riley Wilkinson.

Ron was born in Broadway to Agnes and Murdock. After the passing of his father when he was young, the family moved to Trenton. His mother later married Jennings Carter, and the family relocated to Maccan, where Ron spent his formative years. In his late teens he returned to Pictou County to begin his apprenticeship as a Plumber/pipe-fitter. One of his first major jobs was assisting in the construction of the new Scott Paper, Pulp and Paper Mill. After completing his Plumbing/pipe-fitter apprenticeship, Ron worked with many local plumbing and heating companies across Pictou and Antigonish Counties throughout the late 1960s and into the 1970s, including Moore Brothers and MacKay Plumbing & Heating. He later had a 30-year career as a pipe-fitter at the pulp mill.

Growing up in Maccan, Ron developed a deep love for sports, a passion he shared with his brother George. Both were avid baseball and hockey players. Ron’s speed on the ice earned him the nickname “Blades,” a name that stayed with him well into adulthood.

Ron also came from a family of excellent cooks, and this shaped a lifelong love of preparing meals for others. He became famous among family and friends for his incredible feasts: elaborate turkey dinners, lobster boils, fish chowders, stir-fries, baked beans, and his infamous cabbage rolls that everyone enjoyed.

Ron met the love of his life, Linda, in New Glasgow during his apprenticeship. Their early years together were filled with legion dances, playing cards (45’s) with friends, family gatherings, and of course, plenty of hockey and baseball. Ron and Linda were married on June 29, 1968, and were blessed with 57 anniversaries, three children, and ten grandchildren.

In his later years, Ron’s greatest joy was his grandchildren. Whether cheering at hockey games, listening to them play their instruments, late-night pickups, getting their updates on the phone, or helping with the horses, he was always there. He arrived faithfully in his signature St. F.X. hat, sunglasses, and often with a treat of chocolate coconut donuts in hand.

The family will receive visitors 11 – 11:50 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home Chapel from where funeral service will be held at 12 noon with Deacon Sander Burke officiating followed by a reception. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, New Glasgow.

Donations may be made in Ron’s memory to Women Alike Breast Cancer Society.

Lovingly submitted by family.

For funeral serivce livestream, please click HERE