Henry Wilkinson

Henry Wilkinson
January 13, 1943 - February 7, 2026

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, England
North Bay, ON, Canada

The family of Henry Wilkinson shares the sad news of his passing on Saturday, February 7 in North Bay, Ontario after a brief but rapid decline in health.

Henry is survived by his daughter Tammi Healy, his grandson Evan Wilkinson, his great-grandson Leo, and his sister Ann Thompson in England.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 45 years, Laila Wilkinson, and his son John (Madjy) Wilkinson. He will also be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews.

Henry will be fondly remembered for his quiet, but engaging presence among his family and the communities he called home, beginning in England growing up as a boy, then in Canada as a young man looking for adventure and a meaningful life in Western Canada. After spending several years in Carcross, Yukon, Henry and his young family settled in Burk’s Falls, Ontario, eventually retiring with Laila on the shores of Lake Nipissing in North Bay.

An adventurous, industrious, and creative spirit resided in Henry throughout his life. He threw his energy at any job that needed doing, working as a farm hand, a pump operator with the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a coroner, and a teacher. Ever present throughout his life was his steady devotion as a visual artist and photographer, local journalist and columnist, humourist, creative carpenter, and an avid gardener of multiple varieties of flowers. Henry also loved live theatre, British humour, mystery books, the outdoors, and his various canine and feline companions. He will be remembered most as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, mentor, and friend.

Never wanting to be a bother, Henry gathered some thoughts for his family in anticipation of his passing.

“Cheer up! I hope you’ll look upon this occasion as a celebration of a life rather than the loss of me… So rather than feeling sorry for me or for yourselves, remember the good times we had together, the adventures we’ve been through, the fun we’ve had. Okay, some bits didn’t seem so funny at the time, but looking back even the tricky bits gave a bit of spice — kept things exciting, you might say.”

Henry’s family invites friends and neighbours to gather in the auditorium at the North Bay Public Library, 271 Worthington St E, on Wednesday, June 17 between 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. True to Henry’s style, this will be an informal gathering to share stories, favourite memories, and snacks. 

If you would like to make a memorial donation, Henry and Laila were strong supporters of Nipissing Transition House and the North Bay Public Library.