Durham, Wilfred

Wilfred managed to maintain his independence at The Wellings through difficult circumstances, 

always with a focus on the well-being of his furry friend, Topsy.

Wilfred was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie, of more than 60 years. 

He is survived by his daughter, Lesley, daughter-in-law, Kim, sisters Joan and Rita and sister-in-law, Mollie.

Born in 1933 in Sheffield, Yorkshire to Amelia and Wilfred as the first of their three children. 

His early life was shaped by WWII, the family survived numerous bombings. Wilfred graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Physics which he employed in service to his country in missile testing with DeHavellind. 

Wilfred met and married his wife, then became a high-school teacher. In 1968, his small family, including daughter Lesley, moved to Canada, eventually settling in the small Northern Ontario town of Marathon. 

Wilfred’s community service commitment grew with membership and leadership in the Marathon High School, Lion’s Club, 

the local hospital board, many sports organizations, Justice of the Peace, the Legion, Community Care for Seniors, Wellington United Church 

and countless others. Upon retirement, Wilfred and Marjorie moved to Picton then Wellington-on-the Lake where they both continued 

to be very active in the community. Wilfred cared for Marjorie through her Alzheimer’s journey.

Wilfred loved the outdoors, taking their dogs on long walks or snowshoe and cross-country skiing through the ‘bush’ almost every day. He was a long-time supporter of the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Donations in his honour may be made to the CWF or any animal rescue group.

A short Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25th at 1pm 

at the Wellington-on-the-Lake Recreation Centre. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com

Arrangements in the care of the 

Ainsworth Funeral Home, 288 Noxon Avenue, Wellington, Ontario