Donald Norman Wilkins

Donald Norman Wilkins, 83, of Greenbank, Wash., died Feb. 13, 2015, at home after a brief illness.

Don was born Jan. 17, 1932, in London, England, to Agnes (Gray) and William “Jack” Wilkins. Upon leaving school, Don was given this reference by the school headmaster: “A lad who has worked to the best of his ability, his strong subjects being on the practical side. He is a well-built boy who is usually quiet.” With that resounding approval, he went off into the world.

After a year at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Don sought excitement and world travel on the high seas. He joined the Merchant Navy and became one of the now infamous “Vindiboys.” His early maritime adventures sparked a lifelong passion for sailing.

During one of his visits back to London, he attended a dance at the Ritz ballroom and met Brenda Mumford. They were married Oct. 16, 1954 and immigrated to Toronto, Canada, the same day.

By the mid-’60s, Don and Brenda had settled in Palo Alto, Calif., and were busy with their two children and running a small business. Continuing his interest in theater, Don served as president of several theater groups, including the Palo Alto Players. He also performed and directed in many community theater productions throughout the Bay Area. In the ’70s and ’80s, Don teamed with fellow countryman and actor Brian Lucas, performing British sketch comedy, twice winning the San Francisco Comedy Intersection Award.

Don and Brenda retired to Whidbey Island in 1997, allowing Don to devote even more time to theater pursuits. He directed more than a dozen plays for Whidbey Playhouse and Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. Don also wrote a memoir, “Lest We Forget,” comprised of 50 stories of his years as a child in World War II in London. More recently, he had performed excerpts from the memoir as a theater fundraiser. He also enjoyed sharing his stories in writing classes at local elementary schools.

Don will be remembered best as a great storyteller and entertainer. Whether sharing a story with his grandchildren about his time at “Hogwarts” (Don went to primary school at the abbey that served as a location for the Harry Potter movies), performing magic tricks for decades of birthday parties, spinning a tall tale with his theater compatriots or simply making a stranger laugh, Don always had an unwavering outlook and a joke for every occasion.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Brenda; his daughter, Kimberley, and son-in-law, Robert Haskitt, of Snoqualmie; son, John, of Everett; and grandchildren, Chris Wilkins, Tristan Wilkins, Hayley, Griffin and Gemma Haskitt; brother, Alan Wilkins; and other family still in England. He is predeceased by his parents and older brother Jack.

All who knew Don are invited to a celebration of his life March 29, 2015. Please send an email to apintfor

Don@gmail.com for location and time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s name to WAIF (Whidbey Animals Improvement Foundation), P.O. Box 1108, Coupeville, WA 98239-1108.