Frederick Merlin Gilkinson

Passed at Arbor Trace Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, London, Ontario, Tues. March 3, 2026, at the age of 95. Beloved husband of the late Norine Susan Gilkinson (née Hurley) for 61 years. Loving and devoted father of the predeceased Dr. Trevor Gilkinson (Evelyn née Wesche) and Kent Gilkinson (Linda née Youden). Cherished grandfather of Courtney (Shannon) and Kayla, Nicola (Nath) and Amanda, and great-grandfather to Anika and Eliette and Kendall and Cooper.  A special thank you goes out to Lynne Hurley, a long-time dear friend and niece.  Gratitude is extended to the kind staff that assisted Merlin throughout his later years at Longworth Retirement Residence and, subsequently, Arbor Trace Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in London, Ontario.

Merlin grew up during challenging times on a Saskatchewan farm in the thirties and worked hard and played hard his entire life. His first non-farming job was as a Canadian National Railway telegraph operator (Toronto) in the early fifties, which is how he met his future wife, Norine, who was also a telegraph operator. He was present when ground was broken for the Toronto Subway System. Merlin later enjoyed a long career in telecommunications with Bell Canada in Ottawa. It was his expertise that resulted in the Australian Government hiring him upon retiring to assist in developing their own telecommunications security system. In his spare time Merlin and his beloved Norine took great joy in diverse outdoor activities including softball, tennis, golfing and cross-country skiing. Merlin’s passion for farming continued as he often helped a neighbouring farmer plow his fields in Ottawa – using his own red tractor. Merlin and Norine were also avid travelers and enjoyed meeting new people and learning about different cultures. Merlin was a long-time member of the Rotary Club. Their passion and dedication to tennis led them to be appointed umpires at the 1988 Ford Australian Open. Merlin and Norine were equally passionate about Scottish Country Dancing, reflecting their Scottish heritage, and taught this complex dance form to enthusiasts in Ontario for many years, well into their eighties.

This overview of Merlin’s life only begins to touch on his many accomplishments. One of Merlin’s legacies will be his calm and positive demeanour, his empathy for others, and the smile and laugh he shared freely with everyone – even during his later, frequent hospital stays. The positive impact he had in raising his sons was immeasurable and was through his example. His love and devotion to his wife, Norine, completed him.  In the end, Merlin lived a full and remarkable life and witnessed events few people today could imagine. He truly lived life. A private internment will be held later.