Burial Date
Obituaries » JOHN R. WILKIN
WILKIN, JOHN ROBERT, 73, of Barre, died September 21, in the home he built himself, surrounded by his loving family. John was born August 1, 1940, in Barre, the son of John W. and Cecile (Beaulieu) Wilkin. He graduated from Spaulding High School in 1958 and upon graduation, entered the United States Marine Corps. John married Celia Jarvis on December 1, 1962, and together they raised two children. He worked for Sprague Electric, Couillard’s Heating Oil, and retired from Rouleau Granite Co. in 2002. Although not involved in organized clubs, John was known by many for his talent and generosity. As a teenager, he was known for his car repair skills and then during his working years, his machine repair skills were realized. One of his favorite sayings was, “If I can’t fix it, it ain’t broke.” Most impressive, however, was his retirement hobby of woodworking. He loved making furniture, games and anything else he could think of to give to family and friends. He refused to sell any of his work and instead, anything he made was done so out of love. He is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 50 years, Celia, of Barre; and their children, Kathy McLoughlin and husband, Tom, of Monroe, N.Y., and John Wilkin and wife, JoAnn, of Swanton; and four grandchildren, who all have their own special memories of “Grampie.” He is also survived by his brothers, Francis and wife Sue, Tom and wife Rita, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, James; and by his grandson, Sean Thomas McLoughlin.
