In Memory Of…

Former Rugby Canada Director of Senior Men’s Rugby, Keith Wilkinson, Passes Away

Sad news, I had the utmost respect for Keith, he was the Director of National Senior Men’s Teams at Rugby Canada when I first met him in 1998. I had just built the Rugby Canada website and Keith provided most of the content. We worked together, virtually, for the next few years to keep it updated. I left in 2002 and I lost touch with him after that. I learned afterwards that his daughter Rhian was on the national women’s soccer team (2 Olympic Bronze) and is now a professional coach at the Portland Thorns. Keith was capped 3 times for Canada at inside centre. A great rugby person and very sad news.

Montreal Wanderers Rugby Club – FB Page

It’s with a heavy heart that we share some sad news of the passing of Keith Wilkinson one of the greatest players, and cornerstones of our proud Club! An absolute star player and the focal point of the Wanderers dominant teams in Quebec and Eastern Canada of the mid to late 70s!

Keith was admired and respected by all of Quebec Rugby for many generations, a real gentleman and fine person, friend, father and partner! He lived a rich, full, dynamic, exciting life pursuing his passions of Rugby and the Outdoors! A Cambridge educated English teacher and outdoor educator at both John Abbott and Concordia. He was the devoted co founder with Bill Tierney of the Sainte Anne de Bellevue Rugby Football Club and future dynasty! Keith won 3 caps with Canada in the late 70s at Center and was renowned for his skillful passing and creative moves!

As a young person he served and trained in the Royal Air Force’s Special Air Services. A positive, inspiring coach and a true gentleman (on and off the pitch). A great role model and ambassador of our beloved game. He will be sadly missed by the many generations of players and coaches from the: Montreal Wanderers Rugby Club, Sainte Anne de Bellevue Rugby Football Club, Rugby Québec, Mississauga Blues RFC and Rugby Canada.

Keith passed Friday peacefully, with his family beside him, in Calgary, Alberta. We offer his family our deepest condolences through this difficult time.

R.I.P to a Rugby Legend

Keith Wilkinson
Montreal Wanderers RFC 1972-1979

from Mississauga Blues RFC – FB page

Beautiful words from Montreal Wanderers Rugby Club

Keith had such a huge impact to the rugby community here in Mississauga and many other cities. He will be remembered well as a coach, board member, club founder, friend and team mate.

The Mississauga Blues send our condolences to his family and friends during this time. The rugby community has lost a true pillar but his legacy lives on through the clubs he helped build and the players he inspired.

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