Perry Wilkes

Perry Traver Wilkes, age 83, of Cochrane, Alberta passed away peacefully at home Sunday, April 23rd, 2023.

Perry was born in St. Catharines Ontario on June 29, 1939, a time when (as he liked to tell his grandkids) there were no postal codes but they did have a party line phone with a five digit number. Perry’s 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, a love of sports, and went to the same school. Perry felt fortunate in that he always had loving parents, his beloved twin brother, Terry and sister, Mary Jane, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins in his early days.

Being raised on a fruit and vegetable farm influenced Perry’s work ethic, love for the land and people. In 1957 when Perry was 18, he wrote to the director of the Canadian Agricultural Research Station in Lethbridge Alberta to inquire about summer employment. While Mr. Hargrave, the Research Station Director was not able to offer him employment at the time, he suggested that Perry contact Mr. Hargrave’s brother-in-law, Mr. Joe Gilchrist in Milk River, Alberta to see if there was a job on the ranch. On a Friday morning in the spring of 1957, Perry embarked on a 3-day train trip from Toronto to Lethbridge Alberta to begin his dream job of being a cowboy on a ranch in the west. Perry has often said that the experience on Deer Creek Ranch the summer of his 18th year changed his life.

Perry’s 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 Manager of the Canadian Hereford Association, Manager of Canadian Western Agribition, Manager of the Saskatchewan Hereford Association, Head of Marketing at Western Breeders (Alta Genetics Alberta), and Co-founder of Canadian Livestock Exports. In 2003, Perry also attained his Real Estate license and was an active realtor until early 2023. Perry was also a consummate volunteer and all-round active community member. He was involved in Rotary and the Calgary Stampede for many years, over the years he proudly donated 230 liters of blood to Canadian Blood Services, he was involved for a time in the Cochrane Scouts and happy to step up for numerous events around Cochrane and area. Perry was recently awarded an Honorary Life Member of the Stockman’s Memorial Foundation.

While Perry had a wonderful and varied professional and community life, his family life and friendships were what he cherished and made time for above all. Perry 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 his grandchildren Blake, Alexis, Suzy, John, Matthew, Nicolle, Nathan, Olivia, Jakob, Benjamin, Zachary, Ashton, Jorja, Emily, Finnian, Eamon and Beckett. Perry will also be remembered with love by his nephews, nieces, ‘adopted’ children, colleagues, neighbours, friends around the globe, and his faithful dog, Buddy.

If you knew Perry, surely a fond memory, a chuckle or a thank you will come to mind. His smile lit up a room, his love for life was infectious, his curiosity insatiable, his sense of humour legendary, and his energy and generosity endless. His greatest joy and gift was being with others and his passing will be felt by everyone.

Perry once wrote: one of the shortest words in the English language is ‘IF’ and can result in hundreds of excuses on why not to do something. Perry extended that shortest word into a life of possibility: What if...?

In Perry’s memory he would be most honoured by any act of kindness you can give to others around you. Perry’s legacy will continue on through our cherished memories and kindness to others.

We love you so very much Perry, Dad, Grandpa, Papa Perry.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cochrane Ranch House, Chinook Room on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 2:00 PM. 

Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO1ObE4uf5w