Kenneth “Ken” Wilkinson
May 28, 1950 – December 14, 2025
Ken Gerald Wilkinson, 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14th at the Glengarda Hospice in Saskatoon surrounded by his family.
Ken was born on May 28, 1950, to Gertrude (Lee) and Gerald Wilkinson in Regina and predeceased by older brother, Brian Gerald who passed away at seven months of age. Ken grew up as the eldest in a family of three boys: Gary (Faye), Corinne and Bradley; and Ross (Diane) Jeffrey and Stacy.
After graduating from Martin Collegiate, Ken pursued studies in engineering and computer science at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, respectively. However, a class in ceramics was a watershed moment where he fell in love with clay and the arts. The experience transformed his life and launched a 50-year career in pottery and the Saskatchewan arts community.
A move to Ruddell in 1980 brought Ken to a community of artists who worked in a variety of media. Ken was community-minded, generous, supportive and dedicated to the development of arts in Saskatchewan. In the early days, he was involved in the development of Sundog Craft Fair. He also supported the work of artists by serving on the board of the Saskatchewan Craft Council as well as Sask Terra. He loved to collaborate with other artists in the act of making and sharing art, including Mudslingers and 330 Design group.
When Ken came into a small inheritance, one of the first things he did was buy a large gas kiln with the objective that it could be used by others. His own work sold widely in craft shops and fairs throughout Western Canada and won juried awards on numerous occasions. Although Ken’s decision to become an artist was somewhat puzzling for his father, Ken always appreciated the fact that it was his father who bought him his first wheel. In addition to his pottery, Ken spent many seasons as a tree planter which fit with his love of nature and community.
Sally and Ken first met in the 1970’s but, in 1997, they were reunited through a mutual friend and soon their shared values, as well as their love of art and hiking, sealed their bond. Ken expertly wound his way into the hearts of Sally’s children with his marvelous cooking. In 2000, Ken and Sally were married, and he became stepfather to Farideh and Peter. Over the next twenty-five years, Sally and Ken’s travels together revolved around family, art and hiking.
When fire destroyed Ken’s backyard studio in Saskatoon, Ken was generously offered a studio space in the Hot Shop out in Sheilds that was run by Al and Joan Heibert. Ken loved this studio and spending time with Al and Joan and the community of artists who were drawn to their facility. Ken also took up teaching at this time.
Ken was very kind and truly would give “the shirt of his back” to anyone who needed it and expected nothing in return. He loved his many friends in the arts community, at pool and in Amigos. In the final months where Ken was unwell and becoming progressively weaker, Al, Joan, the Amigos community and artists provided understanding, kindness and love that made his final months more bearable. Special thanks to Jane, Rowan and all the friends who visited, brought food, drove Ken to the studio and Amigos and helped us over the last months.
Ken’s family is deeply grateful to the palliative nurses and doctors who took such care of him while at home and at the Glengarda Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Saskatchewan Craft Council, 813 Broadway Ave, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 1B5.
The Funeral will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Dalmeny Funeral Home, 139 3rd Street, Dalmeny. Please note the change in date and time due to the snow storm. To watch the live stream please click on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF THE FUNERAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE KENNETH WILKINSON
(No password or login will be necessary. A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
