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Gordon Wilson yates

May 26, 2006

With sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Father, Husband, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and friend on May 26, 2006 at Chilliwack Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his wife Donna, sons Peter ( Cecille) and Paul ( Helen ), grandchildren Fraser, Alex, Cameron and Kandra and many extended family members and friends.

Wilson was born in Millertown, Newfoundland, to Nellie and George Yates on February 28, 1926. He was a graduate of Mt. Allison University and Pine Hill Divinity Hall with a Theology degree. Wilson started working as a Student Minister in Lewisport, Newfoundland at the age of nineteen. In 1957, he joined the RCAF as a United Church Chaplain and held military postings in Gimli (Manitoba), Marville (France), Red Deer (Alberta), Chatham (New Brunswick), Trenton (Ontario), Moose Jaw (Saskatchewan), Chilliwack and Esquimault (BC) and Bagotville (Que). After retiring from the military with the rank of Major, he ministered at Mount Shannon United Church in Chilliwack for an additional 10 years until his final retirement in 1996, serving a total of 52 years as United Church minister.

Wilson was a remarkable Newfoundlander, as most Newfoundlanders can be, full of life with a mischievous sense of humour. An avid woodsman, he crafted a beautiful forest behind his Chilliwack home and never tired of taking friends and family on tours, explaining the history of every tree on the property. Despite failing health he maintained his optimism, surrounded in love by his family. His cheerful, loving nature, his guidance and gentle ways will be greatly missed.

Special thanks for their professionalism and caring go to the staff at Chilliwack General Hospital, to Dr. Tom Hopkins, Dr Ken Kousaie, Dr. Jim Morrison of the Vancouver Cancer Agency and to close friends, John and Delores Hutt, Tiny and Carmel Wennas, Brenda and Herman Kovits and Lucille Varnes, his devoted secretary of many years. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Foundation, Feed the Children Program or Charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. The Service to celebrate Wilson’s life will be held at Mt. Shannon United Church, 46875 Yale Road East in Chilliwack, B.C. on Wednesday May 31, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.



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