Brian "Rob" Wilkinson

Brian Robin (“Rob”) Wilkinson passed away peacefully on June 20, 2022, at the age of 85. Rob was a passionate fisherman, an avid storyteller, a voracious reader, a talented stamp collector, and an accomplished bridge player, but most importantly, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. After earning a PhD in Chemistry, Rob worked for Michelin Tire for the majority of his professional career, which took his family all over the globe from England to France, Germany, Holland, Alabama and South Carolina, before he finally settled and retired in Albemarle, NC after serving as Head of Quality Control for Michelin Aircraft Tire in Norwood, NC. Retirement didn’t mean slowing down. It meant doing more of what he loved and finding new adventures like serving on the board of Stanly Friends of the Library for many years as well as being named honorary Duke of Albemarle during its sesquicentennial celebration in 2006.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Brenda Wilkinson, whom he met while camping in England’s Great Lakes district and who agreed to accompany him on a global adventure that ultimately brought them two children, many well-loved animals and retirement in Albemarle, NC. He is also survived by his daughter Elise Wilkinson and partner Meghan Lowther, son Anthony Robin Wilkinson and daughter-in-law Rhonda Wilkinson, his granddaughter Haleigh Wilkinson, as well as many amazing relatives across the globe whom he loved dearly. He is pre-deceased by his siblings Jean and Eric, who were instrumental in raising him as a child and were loved by everyone in the family.

If you were lucky enough to know Rob you knew what an accomplished and kind human being he was. He made friends easily through his gift of storytelling, his sense of humor, his contagious smile and his love for adventure.

The family would like to thank Trinity Place and Hospice of Stanly for the abundance of love and care shown to Rob. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to Hospice of Stanly & The Uwharrie (960 North First Street Albemarle, NC, 28001) or The Stanly County Friends of the Library (Attn: Friends of the Stanly Co. Public Library, 133 E. Main St., Albemarle, NC 28001).

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