Oral Robert (Bob) Wilkins

      Quiet, reserved and logical are trademark qualities that friends and family might use to describe Oral Robert (Bob) Wilkins. Oral was an intuitive person. He was the type of person who could comfortably get lost in his thoughts, someone who had tremendous problem solving abilities. Always conscientious and focused on details, Oral was a person who loved to imagine the possibilities of life.

      Oral was born on January 8, 1954 at Oshawa General Hospital in Oshawa, Ontario. He was the son of Ben and Mary Wilkins. He was raised in Oshawa, Ontario and Peterborough, Ontario. Oral did not have to surround himself with people to be content. He was the type of person who enjoyed being alone rather than be part of a large crowd. He could be content for hours in some activity or be lost in his own imagination.

      Oral was adaptable and had good listening skills which he would use to his advantage when it came to family life. He grew up with twelve brothers and sisters: Gerald, Eddie, Eva, Wayne, Lorraine, Dave, Linda, Bill, Sharon, Doug, Terry and Alvin. He rarely shied away from family discussions. He would debate with his siblings but if it turned into an argument, Oral would often turn it into an agreement. In general, the family got along well and shared many memorable experiences.

      In grade school, Oral gravitated toward others who shared similar interests and enjoyed academics more than physical activity. He was always curious about what made things work, and he would excel at the things that called more for "brain" power. He delighted in the projects that required planning, exploration and solution.

      Oral was a hard worker and a good provider who loved his family even though he wasn't very demonstrative. Oral was blessed with four children, two sons, Jason and Clayton and two daughters, Tanya and Kayleigh. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Aliyah, Connor, and another grandchild is on the way. Oral's sense of fun was often unleashed in his puns and witty, intelligent quips. It delighted him when the children and grandchildren would banter back and forth with him in this brainy exchange of mind contests. The children always knew how much Oral loved them.

      Finding the right type of job can be a challenge for anyone, but that was especially true for Oral Robert (Bob) Wilkins. He needed to find a career that would challenge him. Fortunately, he found a career path where he could use his natural intellect and his natural critical thinking skills. His primary occupation was the Canadian Auto Workers. He was employed for over thirty years. Oral was a dedicated and valued employee.

      Friends and acquaintances usually viewed Oral as the brains behind the operation and using this talent, he contributed a great deal to the organizations to which he belonged. His own ability to adapt actually helped those around him to come up with creative approaches to a variety of situations. Oral worked hard once he became committed to a goal, and he was a strong contributor whenever it came to the planning process. Throughout his later years, Oral was an active member of the Moose Lodge. He became a valued and a contributing member of that volunteer organization.

      Oral especially enjoyed time with his pets. He could spend hours in private thought, and his faithful companions would just sit by his side or in his lap. One of Oral's favorites was Smudge and Dewey, cats, and Libby and Tyson, dogs. They were best friends for many years.

      Oral planned well for retirement so when it finally arrived in 2006, he was well prepared. He worked out many of the details in advance so that he could enjoy the time and not have to worry. He retired in Oshawa, Ontario. In retirement, he found new pleasure in IWA and the Ontario All Pro Wrestling.

      Oral Robert (Bob) Wilkins passed away on April 15th, 2008 in Peterborough, Ontario. He is survived by his children Tanya, Jason, Clayton and Kayleigh and his parents Mary and Ben as well as his siblings Gerald, Eddie, Wayne, Dave, Lorraine, Linda, Bill, Sharon, Doug, Terry and Alvin. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Oral was laid to rest in Thornton Cemetery, Oshawa, Ontario.

       Those who knew and loved Oral will miss his quiet gentleness, his curiosity and his ability to often turn work situations into fun experiences. He leaves all those who knew him with many wonderful memories.