Michael David Wilkinson

Michael David Wilkinson, 60, died unexpectedly after cancer surgery on Wednesday November 5, 2014. He received a B.S. in Sociology from the College of Wooster in 1976 and a Masters in Public Administration at The Ohio State University in 1981. Mike worked at United Cerebral Palsy as a social worker in 1977 and 25 years as a nursing home administrator, including as an administrator for the first nursing home to admit AIDs patients in Columbus and various human resource and marketing positions. He was a wonderful cook, he wooed his wife with butter sauces and an off-beat sense of humor and adventure. Some of his favorite childhood memories came from the years he spent in Ireland while his father worked in Dundalk, Ireland. He learned to play soccer and became an avid fan, playing soccer at the College of Wooster and in adult leagues for 30+ years. He was a Pittsburg Steelers fan , enjoyed Grateful Dead music and traveling including a recent trip to 7 National Parks in Wyoming, Utah and Arizona. Mike was Past President of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and volunteered at Central Ohio Furniture Bank, YWCA Family Center and most recently with Lower Lights Ministries. He was known for his off-center humor, a jokester, intelligence and compassion. He was described by a friend of 42 years as” half genius/half goofball”. Preceded in death by his father Lawrence G. Wilkinson of Williamsburg, VA. Survived by wife Linda Wilkinson (Pennington), son Patrick R. (Sarah) Wilkinson of Willoughby, OH, daughter Kathryn M. Laird of Columbus, four (4) grandsons Evan James, Aiden Matthew, Colin Mathew and Kaleb Jaxson, mother Marie L. Wilkinson, sister Patricia M. Wilkinson both of Williamsburg, VA and nieces, nephews and many friends. Visitation will be from 3:00-6:00 PM on Saturday November 8, 2014 at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy St.(Powell Rd./St.Rt. 750/1/4 mile east of Sawmill Pkwy.) Powell, OH 43065.( 614-792-1471) where a Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franklin County Mental Health Association, 538 East Town St., Columbus, OH 43215. Condolences to: Rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.