Wilbert George Perritt

He was born in Rich Valley, Alberta, the seventh of ten children.

Willie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean (Didow), sons Sean and Ian (Jody) and grandsons Jacob and Vaughn. He is also survived by a sister, Jasper Gagne (Barbara Ann) and brothers Ken and Tim (Marilyn). Survived also by sisters-in-law Lesia Perritt, Mary Brenneis, Jan Maynes (special sparring

partner in cribbage), and Marlene (Gil) Dion. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Ed Didow, Jim Didow and Allen Didow.

Willie was predeceased by his mother and father, Georgianna (Gagne) and Wilbert Perritt. Also predeceased by sister Bunny Perritt, Shirley Brown, Bernice Williams and brothers Roy, Floyd and Clifford. Also predeceased by brother-in-law, Orest Didow and sisters-in-law Helen Fraser and Isabel Esplin.

Willie started his working career with Alberta Transportation in the early sixties as a soils man. He earned the respect of many colleagues over the years and made lifelong friends of some. Before moving back to Alberta from BC, Willie worked for a cannery in West Summerland where the family lived. He loved to tell the story that he shut down the whole operation, mid season, for two days. He had convinced the boss that he could fix the electrical problem. They still kept him on.

Willie loved nothing more than being with family and friends over food and wine. He loved golfing and fishing and was always the last guy casting his rod for one last bite.

Willie became a Christian when he was at a summer camp at age fifteen. He always believed in prayer; his faith in the Lord continued to grow throughout his life. Never did he waiver from this belief. The final words of Footprints by Margaret Powers sum up Willie’s belief and trust in, and loyalty to God. “The Lord replied: ‘“My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you’”.

Our sincere appreciation to the nurses from Home Care who came out during Willie’s time at home and the nurses at unit 18 at the Sturgeon Hospital during his last stay there in October.

A celebration of Willie’s life will be held when conditions are safer to gather and reminisce.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Hope Mission; PO Box 953; Edmonton, Alta T5J 2L8 or to a charity of one's choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memoriesfuneral.com for the Perritt family.