Honorary Col Donald Wilkin, CD
56 Field Regiment, RCA

Honorary Colonel Donald Wilkin was born in Paris, Ontario. After graduation from high school, he undertook a four year apprenticeship as a tool and die maker. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, HCol Wilkin attended the University of Waterloo in the Engineering Program. However, other opportunities beckoned.

HCol Wilkin left the University in order to establish a small tool and die business employing three people. The business flourished, becoming Eagle Precision, a well-known enterprise within Brantford. Eagle Precision employed 200 people locally and over 100 people in England. As a 50% partner in the company, HCol Wilkins’ role was to oversee all manufacturing as the VP of Manufacturing.

The skills required to run a successful business were put to good use when HCol Wilkin joined the 56th Field Regt. He joined as a Gunner, was promoted to Bombardier and after four years began officer training. During his 17 years with the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve, he served in positions including Battery Commander, Forward Observation Officer and Regimental Adjutant. Unfortunately, the demands of his growing business led to his retirement from the active Reserves.

However, after retiring from his business in 1987, HCol Wilkin was able to devote more time to the Regiment, and in 1993 accepted the position of Regimental Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel. Since that time has been very active in Regimental life. In 2000, he visited our soldiers serving in Bosnia. One of his most recent accomplishments has been the acquisition of a WWII 25 Pounder Howitzer for display within the Sgt William Merrifield, VC Armoury. In 2008 he accepted the position of Regimental Honorary Colonel.

His community involvements include Probus Club of Brantford, the Canadian Military Heritage Museum of Brantford, Investment Chair for the Dr. James Hillier Scholarship, and the patron of a scholarship for Wilfred Laurier University.

HCol Wilkin has been married to his wife Jo-Anne for 40 years and they have 2 children, Jeffrey and John.