Bryan Lee Wilkinson III, BHS 1973

February 10, 1954 - October 1, 2016

Bryan Lee Wilkinson III, who was known all of his life as Pete, passed into eternal life on October 1, 2016, in Mojave, California. He was 62 years old. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 29 at 11AM, at the Burbank First United Methodist Church in Burbank, California. Pastor Sam B. Kim will officiate.

Pete was born on February 10, 1954 in Santa Monica, California, to Bryan Lee and Ruth Helen (Foster) Wilkinson. Pete enjoyed education an held an associate's degree in accounting, but he was best known for his accomplishments as a musician. He began playing guitar at age 12, and for the past 50 years played professionally, working with many notable rock bands. In addition to being an unmatched guitarist with a following of numerous fans, Pete was also a talented singer.Pete was a kind and spiritual soul, who naturally attracted admirers from around the world, both for his music as well as for his friendliness.

He possessed the great gift of talk, making new friends everywhere he went. If a wall could have talked, he would have certainly held a conversation with it!Though Pete was loved by all who knew him, he often said that the best days of his life were meeting and falling in love with his future wife, Nancy. When he saw Nancy on the day they were married, his response was simply, "Wow!" From that day forth, Pete and Nancy went on to share a bond that lasted a lifetime.

Pete's interests were numerous and varied. In addition to a lifelong love of music, he enjoyed reading, art, photography, and astronomy. He possessed a fondness for silly, bad movies as well - everything from campy 1950s sci-fi to offbeat comedies. Pete also loved to travel, with Arizona being a favorite destination.

Pete is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Nancy Ann Wilkinson of Mojave, California; his sister, Krenn Scott of Las Vegas, Nevada; and his numerous pet birds, whom he considered his children. He is also survived by cousins, numerous nieces, great nieces, and great nephews. Pete was preceded in death by his father, Bryan Lee Wilkinson Jr., and his mother, Ruth Helen Wilkinson, both of Burbank, California. Before moving with Nancy to Mojave in 2010, Pete was a resident of Burbank for 56 years.

Published in The Burbank Leader on Oct. 22, 2016