Senate Resolution No. 1326

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Don Wilkinson, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Don Wilkinson of Brooklyn, New York, died on May 21, 2023;
and

WHEREAS, Affectionally known as "Pum Pum" or "Strong Breeze," Don
Wilkinson was born to the late Claudius and Dora Wilkinson in Tunapuna,
Trinidad; he was raised among six children; and

WHEREAS, Rooted in his culture and community, Don Wilkinson was an
original member of Blackpool Sports Cultural Club, Tunapuna Hilltones
Steel Orchestra, and the Christmas Bandwagon; and

WHEREAS, In the early 1970's, Don Wilkinson emigrated to the United
States and married the love of his life, Gwendolyn Goode, on August 26,
1978; she remained a devoted caregiver for him until his passing; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, Don Wilkinson joined Bethelite Institutional
Baptist Church located in Brooklyn, New York following the spiritual
guidance of his eldest son, Don Wilkinson Jr.; for many years, he was an
active church member who drove the church van and attended Sunday
School; and

WHEREAS, Don Wilkinson's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Don Wilkinson is survived by his sisters, Claudette, Linda,
Kester, and Margaret Wilkinson; his children, Don Wilkinson Jr. and
Derrick Wilkinson; grandchildren, Delilah, Amar'e, and London; his
nephews, Curtis and Marvin; his nieces, Shelly-Ann, Renee, and Sasha;
great nieces and nephews, and a host of other family & friends; he is
sadly preceded in death by his brothers, the late Victor Elliott,
"English Man" and the late Rudolph Wilkinson, "Ball Head"; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Don Wilkinson leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Don Wilkinson, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Don Wilkinson.