Carl Wilkinson

My husband Carl and I were married for over 47 years. During that time, we worked together for 42 years attending trade shows – livestock, horse and rodeo events across the US. Together, we manufactured and sold several types of jewelry and gifts specifically for the western and agriculture based farmers and ranchers. The last type of product we produced was etched crystal (over 300 designs available) and glassware from small earrings to large etched crystal awards. In July, 2015, we (along with 2 friends from CO) went on a 16 day vacation in Alaska, driving over 2000 miles.and seeing much of Alaska. This was the 50th state we either vacationed in or worked. On Aug 4, 2015, Carl was rushed to the hospital with a massive central brain bleed, surgery was performed promptly and a tumor was discovered, apparently part of it had ruptured. The tumor was diagnosed as a glioblastoma multiforme stage 4. For 10 1/12 months, we fought the tumor located in the temporal/frontal area but he lost the battle on June 22, 2016. He was fairly alert prior to aspiration pneumonia on Sat, June 18th and was placed on hospice the following afternoon and passed away on Wed. We had moved from NE to San Antonio to be closer to treatment and have many friend here but it isn’t the same as being with your best friend and soul mate 24/7. Without the prayers and support of friends and family during and after this ordeal, I don’t think I could have survived. Now, with Gods help, I am trying to build a life without my partner. Very difficult but with time and Gods grace I think it can be done. As you can see from the picture, the reason Carl went to Alaska is to catch salmon which he did. He loved to go to Church, fish, read, try new restaurants, go to plays, assist with the Miss Rodeo Nebraska and Miss Rodeo America pageants, and have new experiences in new places. I think of all of the things we could do together now but that’s not to be. I leaned on several Bible verses but one helped the most when he wasn’t improving. II Corinthians 5:2,4-5. I have the assurance that he is in Heaven waiting for me and that does provide me with peace for which I am thankful.