Dave Wilson, who helped solidify and expand his family’s business Wilsons Fuel Co., has died.
Born in Truro 91 years ago, Wilson was one of four children.
His entrepreneurial skills emerged during his days at King’s-Edgehill School, where he created a canteen and laundry service.
After graduating college, Wilson helped his father with the fuel supply business in Truro before expanding it into propane and gasoline. At 20 years old, he went out on his own to establish Kerr Controls Ltd., an HVACR parts and equipment distribution business.
Today, Wilsons employs over 1,200 people and Kerr Controls has a distribution centre and head office in Truro with 12 branches in Atlantic Canada in Ontario.
But Wilson wasn’t only known for his work ethic.
In the summer, Wilson could be found at Shortt’s Lake, where he enjoyed watching the sunset from the dock at the Shortt’s Lake Yacht and Tennis Club.
In the winter, he was hitting the slopes at Ski Wentworth, where he opened Dave Wilson’s Ski Shop and eventually became an owner of the ski hill and club. He would ski until he was 86 years old.
“He loved the camaraderie of Après-Ski at Ducky's and could be spotted dancing a mean jig on Robbie Burns Day,” his family said in his obituary.
Wilson co-founded the Truro Bearcat rugby team in the 1950s and “was involved in the creation of the Cobequid Spartans Gymnastics Club in the 1970s,” his obituary said.
Wilson was recognized for his generosity and continuous involvement in the community.
He was awarded the Red Cross Nova Scotia Humanitarian Award, Canadian Commemorative Medal, Ernst and Young Atlantic Canada Entrepreneur of the Year, Canadian Ski Council Builder Award and the University of King's College Judge Elliott J. Hudson Award, among many others.
“Dave's gregarious personality and zest for life made a lasting impression on all who met him,” the notice reads.
Wilson is survived by children Steven, Leslie and Gregor, grandchildren Nate, Myka, Hendriks and George, former spouse Jeanne Wilson, sister-in-law Rose Wilson and many nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life is to be held at Ski Wentworth at a later date.
