Obituary of Wilson David King (Major, Retired)

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Wilson David King on August 25, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick, following a courageous battle with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Wilson celebrated his 72^nd birthday just five days earlier. 

Wilson is survived by: his loving wife of 46 years, Suzanne (Lawlor); his son, Brian; his son, Adam (Danielle Harding); and his grandchildren, Gabrielle and Xander. Also mourning Wilson’s passing are: his mother, Ethel (Gladwin) (age 97); his siblings, Bruce (Jean), Brent (Daphne), Janet Moffett (Greg), and Susan LeBel; his sister-in-law, Judy Lawlor Hickey (Colin); and his brother-in-law, Kevin Lawlor.

Wilson was predeceased by: his father, Dr. Wilson Charles (2006); his brother, Paul (2018); his father-in-law, Gerald Lawlor (2022); his mother-in-law, Mae Lawlor (Legace) (2023); and his sister-in-law, Kathy Lawlor (2022).

As a child, Wilson could be described as bright, inquisitive, and mischievous, traits that he arguably held on to through his later years. Wilson’s mother recounted a story of young Wilson coming home from grade school and presenting her with a beautiful bouquet of hand-picked flowers, only for the neighbour down the street to phone later that day to complain, “Mrs. King, he’s been in my flowers again!”.

Wilson was gifted athletically and enjoyed staying active. He played many racquet sports - particularly squash, tennis, badminton, and ping pong - and he also competed on his high school’s football and wrestling teams. Later in life, Wilson developed a love for hiking and bicycling, which allowed him to explore the great outdoors and see many beautiful parts of Atlantic Canada.

Wilson also excelled academically. He earned a Bachelor of Science (with Honours) in Psychology from Dalhousie University in 1975, and later obtained a Master of Applied Science/Psychology from the University of Waterloo in 1989.

Wilson enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1975, beginning in the Artillery and then transitioning to the Personnel Selection Branch in 1979. Wilson retired from the military in 2008, after proudly serving his country over a successful 33-year career, including a deployment in Bosnia. Wilson then worked four additional years with the military’s Dispute Resolution Centre, continuing to share his knowledge and provide guidance.

Wilson loved to travel and was always up for an adventure. Wilson visited many parts of Canada and the United States, and was also fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore many parts of Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica and the Philippines. More locally, Wilson and Suzanne enjoyed many summer vacations on beaches throughout the Maritimes. 

Over his years, Wilson pursued many diverse hobbies, including: collecting hockey cards, stamps, and coins; photographing covered bridges, waterfalls, and lighthouses; beachcombing for the perfect natural walking stick; and even writing letters and sending them out into the ocean in bottles to see if they reached anyone - impressively, Wilson received many responses to these messages, one coming from as far as Ireland.

Wilson also dedicated a significant amount of his time for the betterment of his community. For many years, he regularly donated blood to the Canadian Red Cross. He also volunteered as a director on the board of the Oromocto Public Library (now the Fay Tidd Public Library) and as a tutor with the Elementary Literacy Fund (ELF) Program, helping elementary school children improve their reading skills.

Family was very important to Wilson, and he found his perfect match in Suzanne, their personalities being very different but complementing each other beautifully. Wilson was also extremely proud of his two sons, and he loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow.

During Wilson’s battle with cancer, he amazed those who knew him with his courage and perspective, never losing his inimitable sense of humour, even at the very end. Wilson’s family will miss him beyond words, but they have countless fond memories and “Wilson stories” that will ensure he is always with them.

Wilson’s family wishes to extend a most sincere “Thank You” to all of the medical professionals and staff that cared for Wilson and provided assistance through this most difficult journey, including: Dr. Liam Hickey, Dr. Saleem Raza, and Dr. Lacey Blyth at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital; Dr. Maggie McGuire, Dr. Terrance Comeau, and Dr. Shruthi Peechara at the Saint John Regional Hospital; and the entire teams of medical and nursing staff that provided care and comfort to Wilson during the entire process, up to and including his final days. These sentiments were also shared by Wilson himself, who frequently commended the care he was receiving when speaking with his loved ones.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Oromocto Funeral Home. There will be visitations from 2pm – 4pm on Wednesday, September 24^th and from 10am – 10:45am on Thursday, September 25^th, with a “Celebration of Life” beginning at 11am on Thursday, September 25^th. All events are taking place at the Oromocto Funeral Home at 108 Winnebago Street in Oromocto.

If interested, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Lymphoma Canada, or the Oncology Units of the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital or the Saint John Regional Hospital would be greatly appreciated by Wilson’s family.