Henry Douglas Wilk

Henry Douglas Wilk, age 78 years young. Henry known to most as "Hank" and known to all as "smiley" for a good reason was our hero, our father, and our friend. His smile was welcoming and made everyone feel comfortable and at home. No matter how mad he was at us; [it was always hard to tell because he would lecture us with a huge smile and never raised his voice.], he always showed his tender and loving side. Smiley was a gentle man, a true gentleman and a lover of sports, nature, Jesus and his family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather as well as a dedicated son. Whenever you entered his house, you were greeted with a firm handshake or a hug and a big smile. The coffee was free pouring and conversation was endless. No one could ever wear out their welcome. He loved people. He would talk about the Yankees, the Buffalo Bills, Birds, his grown children and grandchildren. He once gave the mail lady a glass of his homemade lemonade and showed her all the pictures of his family. After a while, Georgia, [the mail lady], could identify everyone's picture and knew their stories. He loved wholeheartedly and always had something upbeat and positive to say. His loving wife Irene was his best friend, soulmate, tour guide and "his miracle" and always his bride. Irene passed away in 2010 and Smiley visited the cemetery daily and brought flowers. They were married in 1968 in the Church of St. Casimir. Every week, always on Friday's we brought his bride a dozen roses. "Our dad was our world, and each moment will always be treasured as a precious memory". Smily has now joined his beloved wife Irene Ann [nee Krupka} and his parents Joseph T. and Elizabeth K. "Betty" [nee Janowski] in heaven. The best dad to his two sons; Walter "Wally" and Francis "Frank" and their Wifes who he considered his daughters. Lisa E. and Jennifer P, respectively. Talk about being the best grandfather to his second set of sons; Jack [Rose], Kenneth [ Lauren], and Patrick [Shelly], each held a special place in his heart. When Jack and Rose had their first child Liam in 2020, Henry went to the hospital every day. And he did the same for all his great grandchildren, Heather, Jackson and Evan. He never missed a birthday, school play or recital, baseball or soccer game and would call the kids up before an exam to cheer them on and after the exam to see how they think they did. "Dad, every day we told you how much we loved you and that you were our hero. All of us have lost a big and integral part of our lives when you passed." He was the only child, but all the neighborhood kids were like additional grandchildren or nieces and nephews. He loved working and was a dedicated foreman for the Ford Motor Company for forty plus years. During the holidays he made extra money working part-time at UPS. He believed in never being idle. He enjoyed his coffee and breakfasts at Lucky's Restaurant on Clinton St. Smiley's final wishes were made very clear - "remember me with a smile and laughter in my heart. I do not want a funeral and do not be sad". Dad will be laid to rest with his wife Irene in a private family celebration. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the SPCA 300 Harlem Road West Seneca NY 14224. Please share your memories, light a candle and leave a message of condolence at www.kevinmmasonfuneralhome.com. "Watch out Mom, dad is on his way, and he is still a tiger". Be happy. Smile and laughter is the best medicine. All arrangements are being cared for by Kevin M. Mason Funeral Home 154 Weimar St. Buffalo, NY 14206 [716] 362-0199 Fax: [716] 462-5355 email: kevinmmason@yahoo.com.

Henry Douglas Wilk

December 4, 1945 - May 31, 2024