Obituary of Cecil Albert Wilson

With heartfelt sadness the family of Cecil Albert Wilson of London announce his passing at University Hospital December 24, 2023 at the age of 86 years. They were by his side. Loving and devoted husband of  Joanne Wareham, role model to his children Shawn Wilson (Cory), Tara Wilson (Astrid), his grandchildren Sarah Wilson (Rebekah) and Ryan Wilson, Emma, Lucy and Austin Levy, Matthew and Jai Wareham, Sophie and Eliza Chalmers, and doter of all the dogs! Predeceased by his parents, Charles and Florence Wilson, his brother Wayne Wilson (Stephanie), his sisters Marion Wilson, Joan Barbeau (Aurelle), Karen Sorensen (Tom) and his first wife Yvonne Burnett. 

Cecil was born May 15, 1937 in Sudbury and was raised in Gatchel (the Gatch), spending his early years working numerous farms at his parents birthplace on Manitoulin Island. He learned a strong work ethic which he carried through his professional life culminating in his career with Ellis Don and Tonda Construction.  The list of projects he was involved in are countless but include Marie International Bridge in Sault Ste Marie, University and Vic Hospitals, City Hall, Centennial Hall, along with builds across Canada, Trinidad and Saudi Arabia. In his last days he left the construction industry with wise words "why in the world would you put a pool on a roof’? 

Married to Yvonne for 42 years, they proudly raised their two children Shawn and Tara, of whom he was immensely proud. His greatest joy was being a grandfather to the loves of his life: Sarah and Ryan, and again – the grand dogs! Yvonne’s brothers and sisters became lifelong friends –Betty (Raymond), Don (Joan), Olive (Gerry), Dick (Eva), Roy (Linda) and Jim (Helen). Cecil was especially close to his many nieces and nephews and was thrilled when they started having his great-nieces and nephews too.

The moose camp with Dick and Brian, canoeing with Aurelle, Roy, Tom, Bill and Gerry, birdwatching and fishing with brother Wayne provided a lifetime of stories. Those that make you laugh, and those that make you wonder how they ever made it home!

When Joanne entered Cec’s life in 2008, she brought with her six siblings, 4 children - Lisa (Mike), Jeff (Brenda), Jen (Garth) and Sue (Jon) - and 7 grandchildren, filling his home with even more love. Cecil and Joanne enjoyed many winters in Florida, summers on Manitoulin Island and Lake Huron, and many family get togethers in London.

In Cecil’s words, “I was damned lucky and thankful to have lived my life, Doing It My Way." A private springtime service to be held at the Courtland United Church Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life Fish Fry to be announced.  Memorial donations can be made to Mission Services of London. Online condolences and service details may be found at www.funeraloptions.ca