Gordon John Wilkie

Gordon Wilkie

North Sydney

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend Gordon John Wilkie, age 79, on Monday, August 2, 2021, at the Northside General hospital, surrounded by his wife and daughter.

Born May 25, 1942 in North Sydney, he was the son of the late William and Irene (Fougere) Wilkie.

Dad’s greatest passion, besides his family, was spending time at the track, Northside Downs. During his early years in harness racing Gordie, along with his brothers, Edgar, Albert and Donnie; owned and trained various standardbreds, with his faithful side-kick Paula, never far from his side.

After a few years away from the sport, Gordie once again jumped back into harness racing life and with the urging of his “track son” Warren MacKinnon, purchased a yearling named “Silver Hill Diamond” whom they raced until retiring him to live out the rest of his life with daughter Paula. This past fall, he joined in on the purchase of another baby, “Elm Grove Quiggly” who he was anxiously awaiting to see race during the Atlantic Sire Stakes.

Gordie was a life-long resident of North Sydney and worked for Marine Atlantic, retiring after thirty years of service. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph parish in North Sydney, Standardbred Canada, Northside Horsemen Association, Cape Breton Horseman association and enjoyed playing tarabish and bowling.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Muriel “Emma” Charlotte (McNamara) Wilkie, by his son Patrick Wilkie (Starr Stapleton)of Kirkland, WA; his daughter Paula Wilkie (Jason MacDonald) of Upper North Sydney; his grandchildren, the lights of his life; Ashley (George Iankoulov) Kirkland, WA and Gordon and Gillian Walker, Upper North Sydney. Also surviving are two sisters Freda MacLeod, Brenda (Mel) Birmingham; two brothers, Edgar Wilkie, Albert (Phyllis) Wilkie; sisters-in-law, Mary (Kehoe) Wilkie, Joanne (Cotter) Wilkie, many nieces and nephews and good friends Dave Ratchford and Frank Herritt.

Besides his parents, Gordie was predeceased by two sisters, Catherine Mulley and Joyce Lachapelle; three brothers, Arthur, Donald, George Wilkie; sister-in-law, Lexie (Guy) Wilkie; brothers-in-law, Gilbert “Bud” Lachapelle, Hugh MacLeod and William Mulley, as well as close friends, Dr. Lloyd MacKenzie and Eddie MacDougall.

There will be no visitation by request. A funeral mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, at St. Joseph church, North Sydney, with Rev. Doug MacDonald presiding. Covid-19 restrictions regarding limited seating, social distancing and the wearing of masks will be strictly adhered to.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney.

Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.wjdooley.com

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