Birth date: Dec 1, 1927 Death date: Jan 19, 2018
William Hadley Wilkinson passed away with his loving family by his side on Friday, January 19, 2018 following some recent health challenges. He was 90 years old.He was born in Gault, Ontario Canada December 1, 1927, son of Robert Read Obituary
Dear Lee and familyI was very sorry to hear of Bill’s death. Bill was a true gentleman and always enjoyable to interact with. He was a consummate “idea man”, always thinking outside the box. His ideas were responsible for several interesting and challenging projects that Battelle carried out for its clients. My prayers are with you all.
I remember Bill fondly from Battelle back in the 70’s. Unfortunately, I lost touch when I left for another position. My interaction with him was during lunch. We played bridge every lunch hour for years while we ate our lunches. A very nice break during the day, and a very nice memory to reflect back on.
I became acquainted with Bill at Battelle when one of his subcontactors failed to perform and we had to straighten out the mess (contractually). I soon became aware that he was an unusual man among unusual people—a gentleman in every sense. After retirement, we furthered our acquaintance at several Florida Reunions of Battelle retirees. Coincidentally, he attended the same Ft. Myers church as did a relative of ours—the Wilkinsons made the same lasting impression on her. Our condolences to the Wilkinson family. He was irreplaceable.
Lee and family: I was saddened when Peg showed me Bill’s Obit in the Dispatch. I well remember him and our work at Battelle on many projects over the years: I learned a lot from him. We had many travels together, ASHRAE meetings everywhere, and project meetings, often in Chicago. One of our first trips together was to Battle Creek MI and the airline lost our luggage, so Bill and I had to make our presentation early the next day in our traveling clothes, both of us in dark slacks and matching white turtle necks and burgundy blazers, not exactly the suit and white shirt required of business meetings then. Another trip was really an excursion to sugar beet piles in Fargo, ND. It seemed that we spent a year there one fall; the beet piles were really in Minnesota, but Fargo was just across the river and it makes for a better story. We started working there in late summer at 90 degrees and finished up in November at 25 degrees in a rain storm. We went to such “great” places, but we also met such great people! I knew that Bill played Bridge every lunch hour that he could and we all heard about his love for tennis, but even though he worked on the “Iron Byron” I never heard him talk about golf. He could have had a great swing!God Bless
I worked with Bill at Battelle in the 70’s. I remember him fondly as a hard work and kind man. My sincere sympathy to your entire family. May Bill rest in peace.
Dear Lee…just read Bills obit and even though it’s been a few years we were shocked…..I remember the good times we had racing our little boats on the Landings pond. … Bill was so good at it and what fun we had….God Bless you and family…… Harvey&Kay Schaefer
I saw the obit in today’s Columbus Dispatch, and it immediately triggered warm memories of Mr. Wilkinson from when I was growing up. He was gentle and smart, with a wry wit and a ready smile. Truly a class act in every way. I’m sure his passing comes as a great loss to the entire Wilkinson family, but I hope you can all take comfort in having known and loved him for a long, long time. All the best.
Dear Lee…deepest sympathy to you and family…just read the obit in the morning paper…though we haven’t seen each other for a few years I’ll always remember Bill racing his little boat on the Landings pond…He was very good at it…We were very surprised to read about him this morning… God Bless you… Harvey&Kay Schaefer
We were neighbors in the Sanctuary a little over ten years before Lee and Bill moved full time to Florida. Bill was always working in the garage on a “project” while Lee would come outside and chat with us. Roger and I extend our sympathies to Lee and family in their loss. Our prayers are with you all.
We were very fortunate to have Bill and Lee as our neighbors when we moved to Columbus. It was great talking with Bill and hearing about all his inventions. Steve enjoyed many a fine day on the golf course with him. Our prayers are with Lee and the family.
