Michael Alec Wilkshire
February 14, 1939 to September 22, 2024
Obituary
Died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Sunday 22 September 2024, after a brief illness.
Predeceased by brothers David, Graham, and Ronald and sisters June and Daphne. Survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Frances; loving children Claire (Larry) and Nick (Tanya); much-loved sister Enid Amphlett; cherished grandchildren Ben, Kate (Alex), Matt, Sal (Julia), and Tim; nieces and nephews.
Mike was born in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, on Valentine’s Day, 1939, and educated at Hanley Castle Grammar School, University of Birmingham, and Carleton University, with a doctorate from the Université de Bourgogne (Dijon). He arrived in Newfoundland with Frances in 1966 on a two-year contract with the Department of French and Spanish at Memorial University, where they remained as professors until retirement.
A kind, gentle, and infinitely patient husband, father, and grandfather, Mike is also remembered by his students as a mild-mannered, knowledgeable professor known for his fair-mindedness, breadth of knowledge, and sense of humour.
Mike’s natural curiosity for and love of Newfoundland developed into an avid interest in the history of the French Shore in Newfoundland, culminating in two books on the subject, A Mixed Marriage (2020) and A Gentleman in the Outports: Gobineau and Newfoundland (1993). A month before his death, he was fine-tuning an article for the Greenspond Historical Society—he didn’t want to leave it unfinished.
Mike was deeply committed to Amnesty International and spent many years as a volunteer, including as national committee chair, national treasurer, and a key organizer of the local chapter.
Despite a history of asthma that had often kept him out of school and sports, Mike became a keen runner and participated in marathons (Paris, Marseille, Loch Rannoch) and countless other road races. He was a Master’s swimmer, cyclist, kayaker, long-time volunteer track and field official (starter at the Newfoundland Canada Games) and orienteering enthusiast (there may still be a set of his car keys in the bushes somewhere near Maddox Cove). Mike loved being in nature: hiking, backpacking, setting up a tent in the wilderness in Gros Morne National Park. He built a sailboat in the family garage and took his children sailing on Quidi Vidi Lake.
A great cook, he worked as a team with Frances to host many family meals and dinner parties over the decades.
Mike was passionate about photography; he started the Shutterbugs camera club for the MUN Pensioners Association in 2015 and ran it until a few months ago. He loved his meetings and outings with his Camera 35 friends. Mike thoroughly enjoyed heading to King George V pitch to shoot a game or to Signal Hill to set up a tripod and hope for a clear shot of the moon at night.
Mike was an award-winning gardener; one of his very favourite places was his plot at the Brother McSheffrey community garden, where he was picking his beans a month ago.
Warmest thanks to Dr. Tzenov of the Ross Family Medicine Clinic for her exceptional care over the last several years. The family is also deeply grateful to the committed palliative care team, who offered peace of mind in difficult times, in particular Dr. Morag Ryan and the outstanding nursing provided by Erin Nugent and Sandy Gray, who helped keep Mike comfortable in his own bed through the final days of his illness. Special thanks to Dr. Greg Brown for his invaluable guidance and support. Thanks also to Dr. Richard Barter.
Cremation has taken place. Family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Wednesday, September 25th from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Mike, please consider Amnesty International or Pancreatic Cancer Canada.
He was a true gentleman and a scholar.
He was the best of men.
He was beloved.
Schedule
Visitations
2 to 5 p.m. on September 25, 2024
7 to 9 p.m. on September 25, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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Claire and Wilkshire family, my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear father. He taught me a special studies French course at MUN on the French-Newfoundkand migratory cod fishery. With his Gentleman in the Outports, he opened our eyes to a neglected source for Newfoundland history, the French records on that fishery. He also was a true gentleman, a loss to all of us.
Dear Nick, I am really sorry for your loss. Your father seemed to be an extraordinary man. Kindly accept all my sympathies. I wish you courage..
Frances, Claire and family, I’m so sorry to read today of Mike’s recent passing. He was a gem of a person. I have such fond memories of him and Frances in the French Department at MUN. They were awesome professors.!
Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to you all at this most difficult time. Sincerely, Sharon
Nick, Tanya family and friends sorry for your loss.. I still remember Michael serving us our first LEGAL alcoholic beverage hosting us in France literally 40 years ago. Nick your parents were very kind, generous and welcoming.. He will be missed. RIP
I completed a BA in French in the early 1990s and was fortunate to have been taught by Dr. Wilkshire. Fond memories of being in his class.
Condolences to his family.
Nick, Family and Friends
So sorry for your loss. Sending out my heartfelt condolences.
We were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing . It was always a pleasure to meet up with him at the community garden. We had met Mike and Francis out for a walk .not that long ago. Such a wonderful couple . Mike’s contributions to the community and MUN. Are recognized, and he will be missed. We are away at the moment , but wish to express our sincere condolences to Francis and family .
Heather Hickman and John Brattey
To Frances and family, condolences on the loss of Mike. I met him through Amnesty International, Group 60, it must be 40 years ago. Mike was a bright light, always upbeat, organized, thoughtful, and Mike in manner. He was a great asset to Amnesty locally and nationally, serving on the national executive. Him dedication to human rights was deep.
Mike also was a photographer, interested in history, birds, and many thing.s. Last time I bumped I to him was at a history talk one evening at MUN, maybe 5 of 6 years ago. More recently, he called one day with a municipal question, as part of the movie from Rennie’s Mill Road. He always comes to mind when I pass by the house.
Mike will be missed. Sincere condolences.
To Nick, friends and family,
I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Nick and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you all as you navigate through this difficult time.
Claire and family,
My heart goes out to you at this sad time. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your dad well but his legacy of kindness will no doubt live on.
Sending much love and peace.
Sheilagh
Frances, Claire, and Nick,
A friend alerted me to Michael’s passing this week. I remember the small sailboats we built together over the winter of 1973-74. and sailed on Quidi Vidi Lake. Starting from that I experienced many kindnesses from Michael and the rest of you. Your family and the St. John’s community have lost a wonderful person. My sympathies are with you.
John Lubar
Nick, Claire & Family,
I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing and send my condolences. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Patricia (Pat) Mahon
Condolences to all the extended family..
I knew Michael v from his great dedication to track and field. A great gentleman.
Michael BOYLE
DearClaire,
Am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. We met years ago at the Amnesty International meetings when they were being held at Gonzagua High School. There, he helped me very much, as I was a neophyte in writing those letters and do remember him so well as being very kind and gentlemanly..
My sympathy and thoughts are with you in these difficult days. Peace….
Louise Mesbah,
Tiffany Village, St John’s..
To Frances, Claire, Nick, and all your families, I send on my deepest condolences on your loss at this sad time. ” Blessed are those that mourn…”
Sending my condolences to the Wilkshire family. I met Michael through my involvement with Vinland Motorsports club and through his camera lens. We chatted on many cold mornings over a cup of tea. Although he was not a petrolhead, he leaves behind the friendship and respect of a motorsport community. Rest easy Michael, cheers.
We are really sorry to hear of Mike’s leaving us. He was a kind and thoughtful person and professor who always gave his best to studetns colleagues and friends
Virginia Harger-Grinling
All my taught and prayers are with you at this difficult time
I’ve been lucky to know Michael since the early 80s – he was the professor who inspired me (a mediocre French student!) to do my best because of the brilliance, kindness, and humour he brought to the classroom. But I also knew him an as accomplished author, a talented photographer, a champion of human rights, and the amazing father of my dear friend, Claire. I greatly admired his gentle way and the genuine interest he showed in everyone he met. Sending love and strength to Claire, Frances, Nick, and family at this very sad time. Mike will be greatly missed and remembered with much respect and fondness.
I have known Michael for almost 50 years, first as a colleague at MUN and later as a photographer. We shared an interest in bird photography and we spent many hours at Quidi Vidi Lake together. Whether or not a good bird was there he always greeted me with a wonderful smile. He founded and led the MUN retirees photo group, Shutterbugs. He will be missed by all who knew him.
To the Wilkshire family
I am saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I got to know Mike as a member of the Shutterbug photography group. He was very kind and made me feel a part of the group even though I attended by zoom.. Will miss his amazing photos and his presence at the meetings. My condolences to his family.
Mike truly was a scholar and a gentleman.. I remember him fondly.
Sending my most sincere sympathies and best wishes to Frances, Claire, and the whole family.
We are sorry to hear this sad news.
Sincerest condolences.
I am very sorry yo hear of Mike’s passing. He was always a very kind colleague and particularly supportive of me when I first arrived at MUN.
My deepest condolences to Frances and the family..
Aileen Ann Macdonald
So many contributions in so many spheres; such a wonderful man, teacher and scholar; and so very many legacies for his family, friends and province.
To the Wilkshire family, I worked in the French and Spanish department for 17 years and had the absolute pleasure of working with both Mike and Frances. I found both to be very kind and wonderful people. I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was certainly a gentleman and a scholar. My sincere condolences to you all.
My sincere condolences to the Wilkshire family..
Claire and family,
Our sincere condolences at this sad time. We hope that all your wonderful memories of a life well lived will help ease the pain of his passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and Maxine
Dear Frances and family. I was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. His gentle smile and engaging manner were always present through the years, from his academic life through running and photography., and will stay with us. My sincere condolences.
Carolyn Emerson
Dear Nick
Your father was a man of many special gifts and he made an impact during his time with us. Please accept my condolences on his passing.
Richard Rogers
Sincere Condolences to Frances and family members with Mikes passing. We knew one another only for a short time as we both lived in the Condo Complex at 20 Linden Place. He gave no hint as to hic health problems. Our best wishes to all in this difficult time.
Very sorry to read about Dr. Wilkshire’s death. I remember attending some of his talks on Gobineau when I was a student. Michael was very giving of his time when we spoke, and his gentle manner left an impression on me. He was a Gentleman in the Academy. My colleagues in the French department at Grenfell and I extend our condolences to Frances, Claire, and family.
My sympathies to the Wilkshire family.
Caroline Stone (ex MUN Art Gallery)
Sincere sympathies to Michael’s family and friends.
My heart goes out to you all.
I met Michael through the Camera35 club but also connected when he partipated in the Photo Historical Society of NL Facebook page which I run and was also a researcher at the Provincial Archives where I worked.
Such a sweet and kind person, always cheerful. He will be missed.
My deepest condolences to all the family, Michael was such a caring and thoughtful gentleman whose enthusiasm was shared with many.. He truly had an amazing life and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to have met him..
So sorry to hear about the loss of your father, Claire. Condolences to you and your loved ones.
So sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. I knew Mike from the MUN Pensioners’ Association. I have fond memories of his kindness, as well as his photographic skills. He will be missed!