Ridley C. Wilson

Ridley Collins Wilson was born July 2, 1929 to John (Jack) and Margaret (Meg) Wilson. He died on August 14, 2018 at the age of 89. Ridley had three siblings, Velma, Irene, and John Wilson. Ridley is survived by his wife of 65 years Lois Wilson, his daughters; Linda Duval, Diane Wilson Titcomb and Mary Pickett as well as his nine grandchildren; Matthew and Jamie Duval, Helen Rose, Mary Abbie, Eleanor and Paul Henry (Jayden) Titcomb and Darcy, Anna and Collin Pickett.

Ridley enlisted in the Air Force before his marriage to Lois but shortly after enlisting was promoted to a position in The Strategic Air Command during the Korean War. Ridley and Lois traveled many different places during this period in their young lives. After leaving the Air Force, Ridley went back to school and earned his Bachelor's in Education and then a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Seattle University. He was a beloved Teacher and Counselor for the Seattle School District for 30 years. During the summers and after retiring from South Shore Middle School, Ridley was a tour bus driver for Grayline of Seattle and was the first recipient of The Presidential Service Award from the parent company, Holland America. Lois and Ridley traveled all over the World cruising with Holland America and greatly enjoyed this opportunity. Since 1997, Ridley’s love of history and aviation was evident in the time he and Lois volunteered at The Museum of Flight (MOF). He volunteered 7,500 hours as a docent for The MOF; it has become a second home to them.

There are not enough words to do justice to the amazing human being Ridley Wilson was. He was the most loving and devoted husband and father imaginable. He took great pride in everything he did, including the way he dressed and instilled in his children a strong sense of pride. Ridley was a devout Catholic who lived the words of scripture in his daily life. Ridley loved fiercely and brought light and laughter to every space he filled. Ridley touched the lives of so many with his charm and kindness. There are no words to describe how much this incredible human being will be missed, but there is contentment in knowing his soul flew straight to Heaven.

On Eagle's Wings

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,

Who abide in His shadow for life,

Say to the Lord "My refuge,

My rock in Whom I trust."

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,

And famine will bring you no fear;

Under His wings your refuge,

His faithfulness your shield.

You need not fear the terror of the night,

Nor the arrow that flies by day,

Though thousands fall about you,

Near you it shall not come.

For to His angels He's given a command,

To guard you in all of your ways,

Upon their hands they will bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

-Michael Joncas