JAMES KERR WILSON

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JAMES KERR WILSON On June 11, 2006, Kerr Wilson beloved husband of Thelma passed away peacefully, at The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg at the age of 89 years. Kerr was renowned for his warm, rich baritone voice heard frequently on the CBC from Winnipeg. He was the soloist on many radio programs including Prairie Schooner , Polka Party , Curtain Melodies , Cross Country Matinee and was featured regularly on the CBC network in the popular television series Happy Land . He sang a leading role in Verdi's Requiem with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. As a choral conductor, Kerr led Eaton's Good Deed Glee Club; The Kerr Wilson Male Voice Choir; St. Boniface Nurses Choir (65 voices); and the choirs of St. James United Church (27 years) and St. Ignatius. An outstanding event for Kerr and Thelma was the honor of giving a Command Performance for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Government House during their visit to Winnipeg in 1959. As a teacher of singing Kerr was an inspiration to his students. Through his vocal gift and caring nature he gave strength and courage to so many people throughout his lifetime. Kerr was retired from the Manitoba Telephone System after serving long years in directory advertising. He was a lifetime member of the First Church of Christ Scientist. Kerr's personality has been described as competent, genial and atempermental (CBC Times). A loving and devoted husband and father he will be dearly missed by his family and a host of friends. He was predeceased by his parents Carlisle and Sarah Wilson who immigrated to Canada from Ireland. He is survived by his beloved wife Thelma in their 65th year of marriage; dear sister Beulah (Victor) Monke, Los Angeles; brother-in-law Norman Guttormson, Saskatoon; three sons, Carlisle (Eloise) Wilson, Cobble Hill BC, Eric (Melenie) Wilson, Vancouver, BC, Mark (Gudny) Wilson, Iceland; daughter Kerrine Wilson; nine grandchildren, Tiffany (Rocco) Castellaneta, Italy, Keri-Lynn (Peter) Gelb, New York, Carlisle Kenneth Wilson, New York, Kristin (Doug) Morrow, Erica (Ian) Fennell, Jocelyn (Guy) Crackel, Thelma Bjork and Kristinn Kerr, Iceland, Leonard Kerr Wilson, Vancouver, BC; eight great-grandchildren, Angelica, Stefano, Stewart, Paige, Stephanie, Jonathan, Meaghan and Gus. Appreciation is extended for the wonderful care provided by the medical staff at Victoria Hospital and at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 16, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 580 Victor St., Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Lutheran Church or to a charity of one's choice. Email condolences to condolences@nbardal.mb.ca. God Bless you and keep you. God lift up the light at His countenance upon you and give you peace. Neil Bardal Inc. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2006