To Judy and the family:

It was my great pleasure to have known Bob throughout his legal career, whether opposing him on files, working with him on others or sharing a laugh during the course of various antics. While he could be the life of the party, Bob was at the same time a highly skilled organizer and someone who could actually deliver on his often outrageous schemes. At an Alberta Law Society Convention in Jasper he distinguished himself by being our "Stoned Crow" mascot - an outfit in which he must have shed pounds while working up a prodigious thirst. When our piper went missing, the Crow "cawed" in the head table to the astonishment of the honoured guest speaker. Years later, at a Jasper Reunion, he 'flew in" for Pirates night, not dressed as a Privateer but as a Parrot. The master of a grand plan was also the progenitor of hilarity. I will miss my mate. The Celebration on Saturday was special.

Dear Judy and family, I am very sorry for your loss. Bob lived life large and I know you will have many wonderful memories to sustain you through this difficult time. I am grateful for having worked with and known him. Anne

We are sorry to hear of Bobs passing. We would like to think that Bob and Al are up there smoking a cigar and having a scotch together.

Lots of love

The Enders Family

Pegi, Kim, Kurt, Frank and Lauretta

Bob was a 'larger than life' personality who commanded attention and one of the few people I know with the skills to 'command the podium'. When I decided to run for MLA in Calgary Buffalo, I needed a campaign manager with tactical skills. I called Bob and John Rooke and was told to be at Walsh Wilkins for a discussion. I recall my nervousness as I was seated at the table with Bob at its head. The drill began as he asked me one pointed question after another. Others at the table also asked me questions but Bob's were the most insightful. He and John left the room to 'deliberate' and to my relief when they re-entered, Bob told me that he and John would serve as my campaign managers. WOW. It was my privilege to work with the best of the best. After a long day in his office, Bob would be at campaign HQ reviewing polls and talking strategy with John. His laughter filled the room and he had a rare ability to find humor in almost any challenging situation. Even though we didn't win that election, the campaign was the best in the province because of Bob and John's leadership. Bob motivated and inspired me and the rest of the team. He taught me a lot about politics and business. I feel so blessed to have known, Bob. My sincere sympathy to Judy, the boys and his entire family. His friends were many - from all walks of life - and we grieve with you.

Kate Thrasher

We were deeply saddened by the news of Bob's passing. Having known Bob for 40 years was a great experience.. He truly was a man with a great sense of humor and along with it, compassion and thoughtfulness. I am fortunate to be able to carry so many good memories of Bob, to have been his friend and to share some of my life's happier moments in his company. "Buffalo Bob" will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by us. Our condolences and well wishes to you all.

Stephen and Stephanie Balogh

My most sincere condolences to the Wilkins’ family. I knew Judge Wilkins during his tenure as a Provincial Court Judge and ACJ from my position in Judges' Chambers. In my experience, I found him a pleasure to work for and appreciated very much the times when his insight and opinion was invaluable to me and something I was working on. He also had a delightful dry wit which was certainly a bright spot in the every day workings of the Court and Chambers.

Laureen Alary

(former Judicial Assistant)

I was saddened to hear of the loss of a great man, Bob. My sincerest sympathies to the Wilkins family on this loss. I met Bob in 1990 when I worked with Tom Walsh and Peter Hayvren on the YYC airport transfer. Bob assisted us in our first years after transfer of operation in respect to legal disputes. Bob was always in good humour. Bob always took the time, even when he was a senior partner, to say hi and chat anytime we were in the office. May God's grace and blessing be with your family during these trying days.

My deepest condolences to Judge Wilkin's family. As a Crown Prosecutor I appeared regularly in court before him. He treated everyone who appeared before him fairly and respectfully. As a Justice of the Peace I sought out his wise counsel on a number of occasions and he always had time for me and provided the very helpful advice I needed. We will all miss Judge Wilkins.

I was very saddened to hear about Bob's passing. I worked with Judy for a few years and therefore got to know Bob as well. I will always remember spotting Bob and Judy eating at a restaurant I was in...it was the Christmas season and I had noticed a man at a booth wearing xmas Rudolph antlers! I knew who it was immediately!!

My condolences to you Judy and your family.

Val Riep (Schuster)

Sincere condolences to all of Bob’s family. I am saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. I knew Bob through his mother Marj and sister Marilyn. My favourite memory is of Marj visiting him during the Brier and he sending her off to join my mother Hanna McCallum and I at the curling. After the first game we found a spot for a refreshing beverage. Marj pulled some money from her purse and said here.....Bob gave this to me to buy a drink for who ever is taking care of me. We had a round on Bob and every day I would ask.....what did Bob send today? And we would have a good laugh. He loved his mum, he loved his family. It is sad he could not have enjoyed you all longer. Kind Regards, Noreen McCallum

When I first came to Calgary, I was hired as an Articling student by Walsh Young. One of the first lawyers that I met was Bob. He made me feel so welcomed.

But I must confess that the best times spent with Bob were outside the office: ski trips to White fish; playing baseball; or simply having a drink. He had a big laugh and a bigger heart.

As a judge, he was fair, compassionate and a pleasure to appear before; a real gentle man.

I am sorry that I will not be in Calgary to celebrate his life but on Saturday, I will take some time to remember my fond memories of him and have a drink in his honor.

My most sincere condolences to Judy and the Wilkins’ family.

At the start of a large Christmas dinner, Bob was introduced as having been asked to say grace. He approached the podium and stated: “Grace”. That was it. A ripple of laughter engulfed the room. That was one side of Bob. Quirky, off beat, irreverent.

Another was just the opposite. When it came to the work of the Chief and Council or establishing Court Case Management, he was serious, focused, respectful. We miss him, and offer the family our heartfelt condolences.

Vic Tousignant

My condolences to the Wilkins family. I will always remember Judge Wilkins as a fair minded, very capable jurist who showed respect and empathy for those who appeared before him. He appreciated counsel who were well prepared and his commitment to justice was obvious to see. It was an honour to appear before him.

Allan Maclure

Bob was one of the best both as a trial judge and an Assistant Chief. He had a knack for finding workable solutions to problems and for showing respect even when making difficult decisions.

When the Provincial Court started using the Case Management Counter, a prosecutor and I experienced an individual who did not have a lawyer becoming very frustrated that the lineups kept him waiting at the front of his line but getting repeatedly made to wait as lawyers were called up before him. That day each of us sent a quick note to ACJ Wilkins telling him it was not a fair setup and that it really needed to be addressed. I think within no more than a couple of days it was fixed and self-represented people no longer were forced to wait behind counsel for extended periods.

That is how I will remember Bob. Completely approachable and very effective at making the justice system function better. He will be missed.

Michael Bates

Kris, my deepest condolences to you and your family during these incredibly difficult times. I am very sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourselves. Keeping you in my thoughts, please let me know if there is anything you need.

I’ll always remember Bob because he swore me in as a judge when I was appointed in 2010. At my first judges’ meeting, he said ( on some issue) “as your chief, I’m not telling you what to do but here’s what we’re gonna do.” Bob was to me a very valuable “office neighbour” in the same way: when I asked advice, he answered “I’m not telling you what to do, but here’s what I would do...”

What more can you want from anyone? HVH