Ian Dean Wilkinson passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 after struggling with cancer for the past several years. He was born on September 30, 1945 to George and Luba (Radinoff) Wilkinson in Fresno, California. He was a life-long resident of Fresno except for during his military service from 1966 to 1969, serving in the Air Force medical corps in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Ian attended Fresno City College and Fresno State University where he received a degree in Fine Art. He was employed by the City of Fresno for decades as an equipment operator, in parks and road maintenance, and as a sanitation worker where he would collect "treasures from trash". He also worked for the Sacramento Department of Airports while his then wife attended U.C. Davis from 1978-1980.

He was an accomplished artist and a member of the Print Maker's Guild. While he most recently enjoyed creating computer-generated art pieces, he also did painting, sculpture, pottery, and several types of printmaking.  If there was a blank piece of paper around him, it would soon be filled with surreal line-art sketches and doodles. Ian never sold any of his artwork, but would meticulously craft personalized pieces for friends.

A true life-long learner, Ian took classes at Fresno City and local adult schools up until the last year of his life.  He loved reading, especially sci-fi and mysteries, learning new technology and gadgets of every kind. Ian had a wonderful sense of humor and always found a way to insert a witty remark into every conversation. You'd often find him hanging out in music, book or car shops around town, shooting the breeze with his wide network of friends and acquaintances.

Ian was dreamer, for himself and others. Few things gave him more pleasure than coming up with creative plans to help those he cared about realize their dreams and pursue their interests. He was passionate about his own hobbies, including martial arts, music, architecture, home improvement, carpentry, guitars, racket ball, and would happily acquire new ones to share with others, especially with his son.  He loved animals and they loved him. He had menageries of animals at various points of his life. His most recent passion was collecting and customizing guitars and playing music with his friends and family.  He often mentioned how much he missed this during the forced isolation of the pandemic.

Ian will be remembered as someone with an incredibly kind heart who loved his family and friends deeply and was generous to a fault. He was a wonderful dad, involved in all of his son's sports activities and hobbies. He greatly enjoyed being Grandpa "Enny" and encouraging his granddaughter's creative endeavors. Everyone who knew him will miss him.

His family would like to thank the VA Hospital for the amazing care they provided, Heritage Crossing Hospice and his dear friend Ivonne Aceves, who was always there for him. His family apologizes to his friends for not contacting them individually, but his phone was lost in the hospital along with all of his contacts.

Ian is survived by Carol Ann Meme, former spouse and mother to his son, Colin Wilkinson (Beth), granddaughter, Wren Wilkinson, his brother Ryck Wilkinson, his niece Amy Wilkinson and nephew Ryan Wilkinson and their families along with several cousins Jerry Radinoff (Paula), Phillip Radinoff, Nona Palmer (Dean), Lance Radinoff, Jill Radavero (Rich), Beverly Durham (David), Doug Reinhart (Mary), Rod Reinhart (Randi), Debbie Newton (Kevin), Alan Reinhart (Darlene) and their families.

His father, George Wilkinson, his mother, Luba Wilkinson and his sister, Janet Wilkinson Swartz, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held later in the year as public health permits. Please make a donation in his honor to a non-profit of your choice.