I have lots of treasured memories of you Wilf and I often think about when we lived on Galahad Drive and you would call us all to the Big Round Table. We knew when we got called to the table this was not going to be some small quick discussion. For a man of few words you certainly had lots to say on these occasions and I remember it seemed forever these long lectures/discussions. At the time we would all sit there, roll our eyes and watch the clock not realizing that what you were telling us and talking to us about were lessons in life. You were engaged as a parent and trying to teach us right from wrong and instilling values in us that we were to clueless at the time to realize. I now know what those lessons in life were about and I would give anything to have you call us all to the big round table again, just to hear your words of wisdom. Although you were a man of few words, when you did speak your words were powerful. You were the rock of our family and I thank you for taking the time to care enough to teach us those life lessons. I love you with my whole heart. Laurie

Wilf when i came to Canada you looked after me so well you were a true and honest gentleman. We had some great times together and i will never forget them. You will always be remembered and never forgotten. If all the people in the world were like you Wilf this world would be a better place. R.I.P. Wilf and look over Pauline and all your family and I will never forget you.

Wilf

Our family is quite unique, wouldn't you say ?  In fact growing up, our family dynamics has brought us so much closer together than any other family I've ever witnessed.  "Cousin" seems to be far too superficial to describe the special bonds that we all share and I know that we all carry great pride in this closeness.  This is also why Shandy and I both know that Wilf was, in many ways, a father-figure throughout our lives as well.    

From the first time I met Wilf, I felt a special bond between us.  Times at Gallaghad were sometimes chaotic, but I remember many times laying on his bare chest snuggling and playing with his St. Christopher medallion, feeling completely safe and asking questions about him and about life in general. To me, he seemed to be the guy to ask and I found it amazing that he always had the time to explain things to me, no matter how trivial my questions may have been.  He loved sharing his wisdom and he loved the interaction.  Through time I've come to realize how important his role was in my life and still is today.   In not so many words, Wilf was one tough nut.  Within our family however, he was a nut that had already been cracked and was wide open for further exploration.  Most of what he had, came directly from the heart.  There are way too many stories about Wilf that can back that statement up and they were all very good reasons for me to listen to him when he spoke.  Listening has never been one of my stronger attributes, but I sure am glad I listened to him.  Some of the first real lessons I ever learned from Wilf were about true character and how to believe in myself, but to realize that nobody is ever perfect and that you can learn from all your mistakes.  There were many other lessons too such as : a sturdy hand shake, how to look a man straight in the eye, to act from the heart, overcome challenges in bravery and test the limit to know thyself, how to drive his old green Chevy pick up from his lap, how not to be nervous when a pack of wolves surround his car, how to make an effective fishing spear, to select a good solid walking stick for every journey and how to personalize them, how to warm up with some special "cider" after enduring a long cold day on the skidoo, how never to back down when you are right or believe in something, how to win a good arm-wrestle, how to accept and love my own father, and of course knowing when to hold'em and when to fold'em.  In essence, there are many ways in which Wilf taught me how to be a man and to take any adventure on with confidence.  Not only to be strong mentally and physically, but also to love strong.  While reminiscing with the family over the last few weeks, it's been real special to hear so many other similar perspectives on Wilf and how he has been able to enrich all of our lives in the same way even amongst his grandchildren. Though I am not surprised. 

I would like to take a moment to thank Wilf, and remember him for all the great times and laughs that we shared and for all the strengths that we have gained by knowing him.  I'd also like to share a small quotation with you that captures the meaning behind Wilf's last lesson to me, about two weeks ago : 

 " While you plan for tomorrow, and fret about yesterday, don't forget to live today."  
     
I love you Wilf.

Brye

I think about you every day and miss you. I am so grateful for having you in my life and I know that you will watch over me like you always have. I miss our chats. I know that life goes on, but it will never be the same. I know you are listening to me when I talk to you now because I can feel your presence.

I think about you every day and miss you. I am so grateful for having you in my life and I know that you will watch over me like you always have. I miss our chats. I know that life goes on, but it will never be the same. I know you are listening to me when I talk to you now because I can feel your presence.###GESTURE###

Music has always been an outlet for me in times of laughter and in times of tears. I have so many memories as a child sitting with you, Wilf, listening to the words of certain songs over and over.  I thank you for that trusted presence you always provided us.  I miss you...but every time I listen to your songs, you are here with me. 
Peace.

To Aunt Laurie and family: Our deepest condolences for your loss. We only met Wilf once but we remember him as a kind and genuine man. Thinking of you, with love: Jen, Mark, Chloe, Mabel and Ted

OBITUARY

Gerald Lindsey

November 3, 1944 – June 13, 2011

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