Retired Church of Ireland minister celebrates 101st birthday

A retired Church of Ireland minister has just celebrated his 101st birthday.

Rev Canon Bob Wilkinson, who was born in Letterkenny, was educated at Foyle College in Londonderry and then at Trinity College, Dublin. 

He was ordained in 1947, and was appointed to St Mark’s Parish, Armagh, as curate-assistant in 1949.

He remained in Armagh Diocese, serving as rector first in Mullavilly, then in Cookstown and finally in Ballymore, Tandragee. Canon Wilkinson retired to Portrush in 1987. There, he became an active member of the Holy Trinity Parish family. 

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He celebrated his 101st birthday yesterday, March 24, and was visited by the Rector of Killowen, Rev Donard Collins, and brought with him birthday greetings from the Derry and Raphoe Diocesan family. 

"Canon Bob was in tiptop form", Rev Collins said, "and was really appreciative of his friends who kindly thought of him on his 101st birthday."

“We thank God for Canon Wilkinson's many years of faithful  witness and ministry, and for his continuing kindness, friendship and gentle good humour.”