Former Wellington County Warden Bill Tilden passed away on March 1 after celebrating his 100th birthday in style the previous day in Harriston.
Under new business On March 2, Mayor David Anderson noted that he and deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen attended that 100th birthday celebration for Tilden.
“We helped celebrate an anniversary of one of our citizens of Minto.
“He was a reeve of the former township of Minto for one term and a warden of Wellington County.”
Anderson said Tilden had some very interesting congratulatory messages from all levels of government.
But one thing that stood out to Anderson, was a photo of Tilden at the local high school, where he was a pole vaulter.
The photo, taken in 1927, captured him going over the pole. He also had a report card from that same year.
“It was a great event at the United Church, hosted by his family.”
Anderson said the family was more than enthused with the number of people and the turnout to the function.
He said Tilden was sitting in a barber’s chair and just enjoying the whole event.
Anderson had been away on business Sunday when the deputy-mayor called to let him know of Tilden’s passing the day after his party..
“He had his party, had a good time,” Anderson said.
It was a bit of a shock to his family, but Anderson said he had received a great letter from Tilden’s daughter, Willa, thanking them for their participation and noting that her father enjoyed every minute of his 100th birthday celebration.
“It’s another part of our history, and I was very glad to be part of that celebration,” Anderson said.
Anderson previously described Tilden as “A very great old gentleman. He’s planted thousands and thousands of trees in our municipality. He’s been a really good long time resident of the township and the Town of Minto.”
On Sunday, Willa Wick emailed The Wellington Advertiser office with notice of her dad’s passing.
Below is the message she sent.
Well folks, it was surely a day to remember. The Church Fellowship Hall was packed well beyond our wildest dreams. There was so much visiting, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the scrapbooks and the storybooks and the pictures he has amassed through his career, and a DVD played in one corner. Brother Mark had put it together and on a continuous loop all afternoon were pictures from Dad’s whole life.
There were so many card, emails, and phone calls that was just overwhelming. Dad wasn’t feeling worth a diddle when he first arrived, but he got into the thrill of the ride (in his pumped up hairdressing chair) and as soon as I told him in his good ear who was approaching – he did remember everyone. There wasn’t one name that was lost on him. But he did make the comment as he shook his head "There’s so many people here that there has to be some I have never seen before"
We have certificates from the Premier of Ontario, Prime Minister of Canada etc. etc. – there must be a dozen of them.
Beyond even my wildest dream of attendance, the church (kitchen) ladies weren’t quite prepared for the onslaught and fortunately had a soup and sandwich deal going on after church service this morning so they borrowed bread and fixings for yesterday – sorta rob Peter to pay Paul type of thing. Fortunately in a small town you can con the local grocery store to open after hours when you’re in a bind.
The mayor and deputy-mayor made a presentation that I wasn’t aware was going to take place, and they did it extremely well and stood at his good ear and talked loudly so I’m sure he caught most of it.
All in all it was a great party. I don’t have very many good photos myself because I stayed right beside dad as I was the only one of the four of us who knew pretty well everybody to announce to dad. As a matter of fact, I said to Annette this morning – I didn’t even see a sandwich, let alone have one.
However, after the crowd all left there were a bunch of us who were there for our own ham and scalloped potato supper.
So dad had the first of his wishes come true. He wanted to make sure he saw 100 and he did it style.
The second was to be the oldest fart in Harriston. His running mate at the moment celebrated her 104th at Geri Care last week. Unfortunately he won’t be doing it.
Dad was in his usual spot on the couch this morning, and without a word, slipped peacefully away.
Annette, Mark and Leona, Kerri and Andrew and the kids were all here and the rest of us had all finished breakfast.
To lose him is so sad, although not entirely unexpected as he kept saying all week that he wouldn’t make the 100, but he did, and as we have heard so often, checked out right afterwards.
He had a great l00 years and left us a legacy to follow.
Private family service was held at the house on Tuesday.
Willa
