Gilbert Wika

Lifetime local resident, Gilbert “Skip” Wika, 76, died June 6, 2011 at his home in Ridgefield. He was born March 13, 1935 on Puget Island, to Kristian and Clara (Westerberg) Wika. He graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1953 and that same year moved to Longview. He married Connie Burckhardt on May 17, 1975; she survives him at home after 36 years of marriage.

He started work at the Port of Longview, ILWU Local 21 until 1987 when he transferred to ILWU Local 92 in Portland, retiring on April 1, 2000. Skip and Connie moved to Ridgefield in 1990.

In addition to his wife Connie, he is survived by his sons, Michael Wika of Kennewick; Kris Wika of Kelso, Rocky Wika of Longview and Tim Campbell of Vancouver; his daughters, Teresa Freegard of Portland, Brenda Beatty of Nuevo, Calif. and Belinda Brusco of Seattle; 22 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ozzie and Ron Wika.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00pm, today (June 9) at Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of choice. Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park Crematory is in charge of arrangements.