Robert Loring Wilson

The family of Robert Wilson is sad to announce his passing on May 10, 2021 at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre in Ottawa at the age of 98. Robert was born November 11, 1922, the seventh of eight children of Senator Cairine Wilson (née Mackay) and Norman Frank Wilson. Robert joined the RCAF in World War II and served as an observer/navigator. He was seconded to the Royal Air Force Ferry Command and made numerous bomber deliveries across the Atlantic Ocean. As a young man he enjoyed golf and sailing, and summers at Clibrig, the family’s summer estate in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. He graduated from McGill University where he majored in business administration. He spent most of his working life as a stockbroker.

Robert continued to enjoy golf in his later years, and took pleasure in family dinners, long walks with his dogs, games of Scrabble, and the Canadian Football League. He enjoyed travelling and lived in England for about eight years.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Marilyn Wilson (née Pickering), his children: Rob, Alexandra and Hugh; his step-children: Peter and Timothy Wilson; and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Stoltz, in 1969, his daughter, Frances Reay Wilson, and his stepson, Eric Wilson, as well as by his parents and all his siblings.

At Robert’s request, there will be no service, but the family will gather in remembrance at a later date at the gravesite in Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. The family wishes to express their gratitude to everyone at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre for the compassionate care Robert received in his final months.