How do you sum up a life in a few short words? Jonathan Andrew Wilkie, 44, was master of the grill. The ultimate New England Patriots fan. He loved life and adored his wife and three daughters. We are devastated that he’s gone.
Jonathan loved to feed people. If you were invited to dinner at our home, you could count on two things: dinner would be late, and it would be delicious. Once dinner was over, out came the takeout containers, and everyone would leave with a meal for the next day. He thought nothing of inviting the entire neighbourhood over for a BBQ – and it didn’t bother him in the least if everyone showed up. He included everyone and was generous to a fault. Our home was open to all.
Most of all, Jonathan was a devoted father to his three beautiful daughters. He loved nothing more than to host their friends to cook, do crafts, or have dance parties - and the more, the better. Our home was never tidy and there are still paint marks on the table, but with Jonathan around, the kids knew they and their friends were welcome, loved, and (of course) would be well fed. He was the first one to offer treats, a sympathetic ear, or a quiet cuddle at bedtime.
Jonathan grew up in Halifax and was passionate about its future. He graduated from Dalhousie University, then worked for more than 20 years in marketing and communications, cutting his teeth at the former CCL Group, where he had many great memories and better stories. He worked at the Halifax Partnership for a decade, where he felt he could contribute to the city he loved, and finally at Halifax Regional Municipality. He was a strategic planner – at home and at work – and he took a quiet pride in seeing a well-planned campaign through to every detail.
He loved to sail, loved to ski with his girls, and loved people. If you were sick, he’d send food. If you needed help, you could count on Jonathan. The world needs more people like that. Jonathan died of complications from pneumonia. His illness was sudden, progressed quickly, and stole him from us far too young. He should have been able to watch his daughters grow up. The house feels like it’s been leached of its joy without our snuggler, our head chef, the man who danced me around the kitchen and always made us smile.
Jonathan leaves behind his wife, Rachel Boomer; his daughters, Julia, 11; Maya, 9; and Claire, 7; his parents, John and Janet Wilkie, his brother, Jacob; his in-laws Vivian and Rick Boomer; aunt and uncle, cousins and friends, and last but not least, Lucy the Wonder Puppy.
If you’d like to remember Jonathan, please do it with a smile. Donate to Feed Nova Scotia or the Mulgrave Park Tenants’ Association if you like. Most of all, hug your loved ones tight. Visit your friends. If you think someone is struggling – call, email, visit. Reach out. Don’t wait. Life can be shorter than you think.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 10:00 am in J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax.
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