The heaven has opened to welcome a true hero and spiritual giant. Jeffrey Alan Wilbee, age 75 of Kitchener and formerly of Stratford transitioned with Courage and Grace on January 5, 2019. Dearest husband and soulmate of Dianne (Moore). Loving father of Derek (the late Deirdre), Glenn (Silvia) and Kevin (Carrie). Beloved grandfather of Keira (Eric), Caleb, Glenys, Pearen and Mazlynne. Dear brother of Doreen Sweet (Marion), Ruth Peterson (Robert), Patricia Matesic (Paul), David (Shirley), Joanne (Dave), Shelley Hann (Ben), Andrea (Doug). Also survived by father-in-law Keith Wettlaufer, sister-in-law Bev Wilbee and several nieces and nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents Harry and Edna Wilbee, brothers Brian and Christopher, a sister Penny Kincaid and father-in-law and mother-in-law William and Ruth Moore. Jeff was a consummate professional, a Certified Association Executive working in the corrections field advocating for the abolition of the death penalty and then the addictions field as Executive Director of the Alcohol & Drug Recovery Association of Ontario and the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation with an emphasis on addiction counsellors credentialing. He was recognized for his contribution to the field through the creation of the Wilbee Award. He excelled as a consultant and professional speaker through his Discovery Recovery and The Wilbee Group businesses. A lifelong volunteer he was Rector’s Warden at St. James Church Stratford, on the Board of Unity Kitchener and was active in leadership roles in the Anglican Cursillo movement. His expertise in chairing functions evolved into Jeff being the chair of numerous boards, he spearheaded the development of the District Health Councils first as chair of the Perth Steering Committee and then as chair of the Huron Perth DHC and Grey Bruce Huron Perth DHC, international recognition of his skills, knowledge and leadership came with his role as President of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium. His belief in a Higher Power led him for over 43 years (August 28, 1975) to a life of recovery and service through Alcoholics Anonymous where he was a powerful example to those trudging the road of happy destiny. Jeff was instrumental in bringing the Recovery Awareness month (September) into Canada and in the Silver Ribbon campaign. Jeff was the recipient of numerous awards including The Courage to Come Back. He was an avid reader and blessed all with his beautiful tenor voice and strumming his beloved Gibson guitar. Dianne and family express sincere thanks to Grand River Hospital physicians and staff on the 7th and 3rd floor dialysis units, 5th floor South and ICU B unit, and Trudy Rose Manager Spiritual Care. Visitation at the W.G. Young Funeral Home at 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Friday January 11, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and on Saturday January 12, at St. James Anglican Church, 41 Mornington Street, Stratford from 1 pm until the time of the funeral service at 2 pm. Rev. Canon Dr. Lorne Mitchell will officiate. Cremation to follow. A reception will be held in the parish hall. As expression of sympathies, memorial donations may be made to Ontario Wound Care – The Judy Dan Research and Treatment Centre, The Kidney Foundation of Canada (Ontario Branch Research funding) or the Charity of One’s Choice through the funeral home. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jeffrey A Wilbee 2019..
Décès pour la Ville:Stratford, Province: Ontario