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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WILKIE, Joseph Stewart (Stewie) - With deep sorrow, we announce the death of Joseph Stewart Wilkie, a beloved uncle and proud veteran on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at Harbourview Hospital DVA Unit in Sydney Mines, at the age of 97.
Born in North Sydney on March 29, 1924, Stewie was the son of the late William and Hilda (Cameron) Wilkie. He was a man of deep faith and a devout member of St. Joseph Church, North Sydney.
Stewie was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Anne and his 8 siblings; Gordon “Baker”, Cameron “Doc”, Lloyd (Peggy), Gertrude, Kay (Walter) Larnis, Ollie (Brud) Whalen, Yvette and Natalie.
He will be dearly missed by his nieces Nancy (Brian) Young and Janet Wilkie with whom he shared a special bond, his nephews Bob, Lloyd (Lynn), Trevor (Pauline) Wilkie, Bill (Phyllis) Westberg and his niece Ginny Harkness.
During World War II, Stewie served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a telegrapher on convey duty protecting ships carrying supplies to Europe and Russia. After the war he worked on merchant ships for several years allowing him to travel all over the world. Then he moved to Ontario where he enjoyed a thirty-three year career with the Canadian National Railway as a foreman.
Stewie married the love of his life, Anne Christensen, in 1964. They simply adored each other…two gentle souls who shared a beautiful life together. They retired to Cornwall, ON and enjoyed a very active social life with many friends; they travelled extensively in Canada and the United States even going to the Kentucky Derby.
Not long after Anne’s death, Stewie moved back home and lived with his sister Nat for a short time before moving into the Veterans Unit at Harbourview Hospital in Sydney Mines. Always very social, he made friends easily with residents and staff.
Stewie was such a class act, a true gentleman. He strolled the halls with the straight posture of so many vets. Blessed with a sharp wit and dry sense of humor, he loved to tease and tell jokes. He was a life-long learner, a voracious reader and an avid radio listener. He was very informed about politics and current events and loved nothing more than a heated debate. He loved music especially jazz and Anne Murray and with his lovely powerful voice he sang along at mass and during the musical entertainment at Harbourview. He participated in all the activities and little trips available until his body no longer allowed him to but his mind was razor sharp till the end. The many stories he shared about his travels and the memories of his growing up in North Sydney were a constant source of entertainment.
Stewie has been patiently waiting to reunite with his precious Anne. The journey is over and he finally has his wish.
We would like to express our gratitude to the staff of Harbourview for their care and friendship over the past nine years. Special thanks to Leah Snow for brightening his days with teasing banter, coffee and McDonald’s apple pie.
There will be no visitation by request. A funeral mass for Stewart will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at St. Joseph Church with Rev. Angus MacDougall officiating. Covid restrictions will be in place with Proof of Vaccine, photo ID, wearing of masks and social distancing in the church. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Carmen Young CBU Nursing Scholarship. (W. J. Dooley Funeral Service Ltd.)
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