Mushroom lunch survivor Ian Wilkinson farewells wife at memorial service
The sole survivor of a deadly mushroom poisoning lunch has been seen in public for the first time, gathering with hundreds of mourners to farewell his wife at a memorial service.
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The sole survivor of the deadly mushroom meal has been his first public appearance at his wife’s memorial service.
Hundreds of family and friends gathered to honour Heather Wilkinson at Korumburra Recreation Centre on Wednesday.
Ms Wilkinson, her sister Gail Patterson and brother-in-law Don Patterson died after they were poisoned at a family gathering in Leongatha on July 29.
Her husband, Ian Wilkinson, attended the service, using a walking frame for assistance.
He wore a black face mask, black suit and navy tie.
Although pale and frail, the pastor was in good spirits, talking and hugging attendees as some cried and offered their condolences.
Just two weeks ago, Mr Wilkinson was released from hospital after spending weeks in an induced coma fighting for life.
His nephew, Simon Patterson, also attended the public memorial.
Mr Patterson’s former wife, Erin Patterson – the woman who cooked the mushroom lunch – was not at the service.
It comes as Ms Wilkinson’s son, David, broke down in tears during his eulogy.
“Maybe Dad summed up her character best when he reflected recently,” he said.
“She was special, not because she was better than anyone else but because of her faith. She had the beauty of holiness.
“It didn’t matter who you were or what your titles were, you were treated the same by her.”
Mr and Mrs Wilkinson met at an ice cream shop and married at a Hughesdale church in 1979.
The couple were described as “inseparable partners in life and faith”.
David said his mother was kind, patient and “full of grace”.
“Mum was a great encourager and always reassured you if you were worried about something,” he said.
“She was humble and didn’t want to be put on a pedestal.
“Mum knew she wasn’t perfect and she was always quick to say sorry … she was empathetic and caring.
“As a mother, she was patient, she was kind, she loved to laugh and have fun together.
“She loved being a mum and loved us well.”
Ms Wilkinson’s hobbies included baking, gardening, walking and spending time with her grandchildren.
“Grandmother was so very kind, generous and lovely,” one granddaughter said.
“I’ll miss her so much, love you grandma darling gorgeous.”
Meanwhile, Victoria Police confirmed the investigation into the “unexplained” deaths remained ongoing.
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