WILFRED M. (WILF) WAKE

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WILFRED M. (WILF) WAKE Peacefully, with his family at his bedside, Wilf passed away at Tuxedo Villa on Monday, September 10, 2007. Wilf was predeceased by his beloved wife Sheila in June 1992; and also by five brothers, Albert, Stanley, Cecil, Lawrence, and Percival, and one sister Hilda Brown. He is survived by his son Rick (Lorraine) of Winnipeg and numerous nephews and nieces. Wilf, the youngest of seven children, was born to John (Jack) and Ruth Wake on October 17, 1919 in Gregg, Manitoba. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1922. Wilf grew up in Fort Rouge and loved all competitive sports. He competed in hockey, baseball, soccer and lacrosse and developed many close friendships that lasted a lifetime. Later in life he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, curling and golf. Golf was his favourite and he continued to play into his 80s. Wilf joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1939. He served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1940 to 1945. He enjoyed that time of his life and often reminisced about his days in the service and the many friendships he had formed. Wilf met Sheila in 1940 while he was stationed in England. They were married there in 1945 when Wilf returned from Italy. Wilf and Sheila returned to Winnipeg in 1946, and in 1947 moved to Dryden, Ontario, where Wilf began his career in municipal affairs. He spent 37 years working for the municipality and retired in 1984 as Chief Administrative Officer. He also served as Clerk Treasurer, Secretary-Treasurer Dryden Hydro Commission, Secretary and Business Manager Dryden Municipal Telephones, Secretary-Treasurer Dryden Municipal Airport Commission, and President (1977-78) Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. He said he enjoyed his work because every day was different. Each new day would usually present a new problem to solve, so his work always remained interesting and challenging for him. During this period Wilf gave a great deal of his time to his community. He served on the executive of the Dryden Rockets Hockey Club, Curling Club, Golf Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Patricia Senior Citizens Inc., and the Masonic Lodge. Wilf spent most of his retirement years in Dryden where he continued to enjoy his golf, and serve the community. He moved to Winnipeg in 2003 and he was able to renew some old friendships from his younger days. Recollecting the good times from earlier days with his old friends always put a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Wilf's word was his bond and will be remembered by all who knew him as a man of great integrity. To quote one of his service awards, Let him be known as one who served his fellow man . Wilf was a loving husband, a supportive father, a good brother, and a loyal friend who will be missed and never forgotten. We would like to thank all of the wonderful people who cared for Wilf in his later years after he returned to Winnipeg. The management and staff of The Waverley, Riverview Health Centre, and Tuxedo Villa all provided both understanding and compassion in caring for Wilf. We will always be grateful to those who took the time to visit Wilf and those who always found time to say hello and encourage him in his final days at Tuxedo Villa. Special thanks to the devoted and caring staff at Tuxedo Villa who took such great care of Wilf. A memorial service in celebration of Wilf's life will be held at the Breezy Bend Country club, 7620 Roblin Blvd. on Tuesday, September 18 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, donations in Wilf's memory can be made to the charity of their choice. LeClaire Brothers in care of arrangements. 775-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 15, 2007