Oswald “Ozzie” Edward Wilkinson

Oswald “Ozzie” Edward Wilkinson, age 87, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and 37-year resident of Colville, WA, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026. Born July 29, 1939, in Spangler, PA to Richard “Dick” P. and Catherine “Kitty” (Costlow) Wilkinson, Ozzie lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and joy. Beloved by all who met him, he was a steadfast Catholic, a committed community servant, and an avid skier and cyclist whose enthusiasm and energy inspired everyone around him. Ozzie grew up in Sidman, PA, and graduated from Adams Summerhill High School in 1957.

 He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from St. Francis College in Loretto, PA. During college, he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia “Ginny” L. Caldwell, on August 18, 1962, in Dunlo, PA. Together they moved to Fort Collins, CO, where Ozzie earned his master’s degree in analytical chemistry from Colorado State University, began his career as a teaching and research assistant, welcomed the first of their children, and discovered his passion for snow skiing. He later accepted a research position with Alcoa in New Kensington, PA. 

Their family grew and he continued skiing, serving on the ski patrol at Blue Knob Ski Resort for many years. He relocated with his family to Palestine, TX in 1975. There, he served as an environmental, health, and safety manager for Alcoa. While in Texas, he was elected to the Palestine Independent School District Board of Trustees, volunteered extensively with the United Way and was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic parish. In 1989, the family moved to Colville, WA, where Ozzie continued his career as an environmental and public relations manager for Northwest Alloys (an Alcoa company) until he formally retired in 2005. Ozzie gave generously of his time and talents to the community. 

He served on the Red Cross Inland Northwest Board, Eastern Washington University STEM Advisory Board, Providence Quality and Patient Safety Committee, Providence Community Mission Board, and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Financial Board. A dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Colville, he served as President (2009–2010), cochaired the Tree of Sharing project for ten years and received the Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026. Active throughout his life, Ozzie enjoyed snow skiing, cycling, playing pickleball, and long driving vacations—remaining impressively energetic even into his eighties. He delighted children with his “Donald Duck” voice and frequently accompanied friends to medical appointments as their advocate. 

Ozzie was selfless, generous, and unfailingly kind, and he was always the first to help a friend in need. Ozzie’s life exemplified his favorite scripture, Micah 6:8 : “This is what God asks of you, only this – to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.” His warm, enveloping hugs were the very best and left no room to doubt that you were loved. He anchored his life in his Catholic faith, never missed Sunday mass and held God’s hand as he passed into His care. Ozzie was preceded in death by his parents; his newborn son, Mark; and his siblings Nancy Troxel, Richard “Dick” Wilkinson, Jr., and Margaret “Peggy” Zubeck. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 64 years, Virginia “Ginny” Wilkinson; his four children, Michelle Hrnicek (Rob) of Dallas, TX, Kristine “Krissy” Appel (Denis) of Parker, CO, Brad Wilkinson (Kerri) of Rockwall, TX, and Megan Wilkinson of Nashville, TN; and nine grandchildren — Katelyn, Alexa, and Marissa Hrnicek; Nick (Mia), Jordan, Emilee, and Sarah Appel; Tyler and Hayley Hernandez. 

He also leaves behind two greatgrandchildren, Maliah Wair and Kyren Taylor; his sister Gretchen Baudoux of Monroeville, PA; and a large circle of extended family and friends who cherished him. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville, WA, followed immediately by the vigil service and rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville with graveside committal to follow at Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (Osvhub.com/ immaculate-conception-colville) or to Providence Mount Carmel Hospital (give. providence.org\inw\donate-now). Please specify “In memory of Ozzie Wilkinson” in the notes or comment section. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.