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Obituary for William Richard 'Dick' Wilkinson
William Richard “Dick” Wilkinson passed away on October 31, 2013. He was born in 1925 in Grandfield, Oklahoma, to William Benson Wilkinson and Dorothy Frances Hogan. At age 12 he moved to San Diego, California, then spent the rest of his life here in the Golden State. He was predeceased by his parents, and by his wife of 60 years, Viola Wilkinson. He is survived by his children, Susan Ross Soto (Carlos) and William Dennis Wilkinson (Theresa), grandchildren Kevin Richard Ross of Vacaville, Crystal Ross O’Hara of Davis, William Dennis Wilkinson, Jr., and Betsy Wilkinson, both of Whitehall, Montana. He has eight great-grandchildren who kept him delighted with visits, many pictures and amusing stories from their daily lives. During World War II, Dick joined the Navy and served as a member of an aircrew on the USS Bismarck Sea, the last aircraft carrier sunk during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He and Viola were active members of the Bismarck Sea Ship’s Survivors annual reunions, and looked forward to touring many cities around the U.S. where the survivors and their families met to enjoy good company, swap stories and keep in touch. Dick and Viola moved to Vacaville in 1955 where he was employed for 30 years by the State of California as a Correctional Officer at the California Medical Facility. He also worked at facilities in Chino and Soledad, retiring at the rank of lieutenant. After retirement, he was employed by Vacaville U-Save Liquors for 25 years. The job afforded him the opportunity to stay in touch with the many friends made in the community over the past 50-plus years. Throughout those years, he contributed to the community as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America, and worked closely with the city recreation department to develop Little League baseball in Vacaville. He spent many rewarding hours coaching teams and mentoring the youth of Vacaville. Dick also served on the City of Vacaville Redevelopment Committee for over 20 years, and worked toward the preservation of many historic homes and buildings that give today’s Vacaville its appealing hometown charm. The city’s gratitude for his tireless efforts is evident in the placement of his name on the bridge leading to Andrew’s Park and on the clock tower in the new town square. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 5th, from 1-4pm at McCune Garden Chapel. Funeral services will be held Wednesday November 6th, at 10:30 am at McCune Garden Chapel with burial to follow at 12:30pm at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
Visitation: McCune Garden Chapel Tuesday, November 5, 2013 1:00-4:00pm
Service: McCune Garden Chapel Wednesday, November 6, 2013 10:30am
