WILTON, Major Robert Derrick – My dad is now gone but I am comforted to know he is with my mom, Amy Marie Wilton. Even though we are saddened by our loss we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Please hug and love each other. Robert Wilton passed away on December 24, 2020 in St. John's, NL. Predeceased by his parents, Hedley and Elizabeth Wilton; and brother Colonel William Wilton. Leaving to mourn, his only son Christopher Wilton; his wife, Kathleen (nee Parsons); grandchildren: Rebecca (Kalen) and Andrew; great-grandchildren: Ava and Zoey; siblings: Mima, Claude, and Winnifred; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Robert Wilton epitomizes what it means to be a community volunteer. He dedicated his life to the service of his country and to his community. It is almost impossible to list all of his accomplishments and voluntary service.

Bob joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in July 1954 at age 17 and received his Wings and his Officer's Commission in 1956. Bob took his discharge from the RCAF in 1961, moving back to Newfoundland where he joined 508 Air Cadet squadron as a Civilian Instructor. He was rapidly promoted through the ranks culminating with his appointment as Commanding Officer in 1967 and 1968.

He went on to volunteer with the Newfoundland branch of the Cadet League from 1973 until his retirement in 1996. Bob was known for his active involvement in many community organizations and volunteer fundraising initiatives. Among these, the Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, St. John's Rotary Club and the Red Cross.

From 1986 to 1991 he served as a Volunteer Honorary Aide to Lieutenant Governor James McGrath. In 1993, Bob was elected to the Lewisporte Town Council where he served until 1997. During that time, he served on the finance and economic development committee and chaired the Gateway whose mission was to attract new opportunities for the town and to manage the local marina. In 1995 Bob joined the board of the Canadian Crop of Commissionaires, Newfoundland Division.

In 1999 Bob was appointed to the Last Post Fund and served four years as provincial chairman. He was an active member of the Lost Post Fund until his final day. Bob was the recipient of numerous awards for his community service and was just recently inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of Fame and subsequent at that was awarded the Sovereign's Volunteer Service Medal.

Bob also served on many boards including the Gander Airport Authority, Chamber of Commerce and Marine Atlantic.

Visitation to take place at Barrett's Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue on Thursday, December 31 ^st , 2020 from 1pm-4pm, followed by a funeral service at 4pm at Barrett's Memorial Chapel (COVID-19 Restrictions apply). Interment will take place at the Anglican Cemetery, Kenmount Road on Saturday, January 2 ^nd at 2pm. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation or The Last Post Foundation 401-505 René-Lévesque Blvd W, Montreal, Quebec H2Z 1Y7. To view the online memorial guest book or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.barretts.ca

"What can we do for one we loved so dear, but pray that saints and angels will cherish and adore him forever."