Stephen Chalmers Wilkie – Native of Scotland

Stephen Chalmers Wilkie passed away in November of 2002 in
Healdsburg. This dear Scot melded a rich background of his parents’
country, Scotland, and his own birth land of eastern Montana.
Beginning in childhood, Steve was interested in the culture and
history of Native American Indians. His 15 minutes of fame was
having sat on the lap of Chief Two Moons as a child. Steve’s
favorite group entertainment was an Indian pow-wow or Scottish
Games. He was a student of Gaelic and Irish, and was fluent in
Spanish. He was a quiet, unceremonious person and a bagpiper. Born
April 1914 in Rosebud, Montana, he was educated in the public
schools of Montana and attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Forest
Management at the University of Montana. He also went on to receive
a Master’s Degree. Stephen spent much of his life working as a
carpenter, settling in Southern California, close to major
cross-country skiing and rock climbing areas, and with easy access
to Mexico. On weekends, Steve often hiked, camped, or skied or did
all three activities. After retiring, he moved to Healdsburg at age
71 with his companion Doris Golden. He loved the country, and the
many animals and trees on he and Doris’ small farm. He enjoyed
outdoor life through canoeing, camping, and cross-country skiing
even until the age of 87 years old. Steve enjoyed riding his
motorcycle into town, and was most proud of his 1936 green Ford
touring car, which he bought in the 1940s. He loved trees and wood
and had tremendous knowledge of both. Hundreds of redwoods and
eucalyptus were planted and tended by Steve on public and private
land here. Steve will be remembered by his companion Doris Golden
and her family, by his brother and sister-in-law Pete and Dorothy
Wilkie of Washington, by his nieces and nephews, and his many
friends. A service will be held on Sunday, December 15, at 11 a.m.
at his home. Contributions can be made in Stephen’s memory to the
Healdsburg Food Pantry.