Perry Traver Wilkes, age 83, of Cochrane, Alta., passed away peacefully at home Sunday, April 23, 2023.
Wilkes was born in St. Catharines, Ont., on June 29, 1939, and grew up on a fruit and vegetable farm. His twin, Terry (deceased), was his closest friend and they shared everything in the early days — a room, chores, a two-tonne truck, a 1950 Studebaker and a love of sports. Wilkes felt fortunate in that he always had loving par- ents, his beloved twin brother and sister, Mary Jane, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins in his early days.
In 1957 when Wilkes was 18, he wrote to the director of the Canadian Agricultural Research Station in Lethbridge, Alta., to inquire about summer employment. The research station director was not able to offer him employment, but suggested Wilkes contact his brother-in-law, Joe Gilchrist in Milk River, Alta., to see if there was a job on the ranch. Wilkes has often said his experience on Deer Creek Ranch that sum- mer changed his life.
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His involvement in the livestock industry continued over the years through his work as manager of the Sweetgrass Ranch, the United Co-op in Ontario, general man- ager of the Canadian Hereford Association, manager of Canadian Western Agribition, manager of the Saskatchewan Hereford Association, head of marketing at Western Breeders (Alta Genetics), and co-founder of Canadian Livestock Exports. Wilkes was also involved in Rotary and the Calgary Stampede for many years. Over the years he proudly donated 230 litres of blood to Canadian Blood Services. Wilkes was recently made an honorary life member of the Stockman’s Memorial Foundation.
While Wilkes had a wonderful and varied professional and community life, his family life and friendships were what he cherished and made time for above all. He is lovingly remembered by the love of his life, Pat Parker, partner and wife of 32 years; his children Cameron Wilkes (Hayley), Sharon Wilkes, Joanne Coupal (Richard), Deborah Bailer (Shawn); stepdaughters Kelly Learned (Matthew), Michael Learned (deceased), and Amber Garritty (Shane). He will be dearly missed by many more family members, colleagues, neighbours, friends from around the globe, and his faithful dog, Buddy. A celebration of life was held at the Cochrane Ranch House, Chinook Room, on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Perry Wilkes would be most honoured by any act of kindness you can give to others around you. His legacy will continue on through our cherished memories and kindness to others.
