My deepest sympathy to Willards family, I remember going into the shop and just a narrow alley to pick up groceries and Willard and the family helping. The crib games at Wendels house every afternoons or Willard talking about fishing will miss him.

When I think back to our childhood I have to smile. I do remember when your Dad & my Dad used to bundle us up on sleighs & pull us around Lucky Lake on Christmas Eve to see all the Christmas lights. We were really young then but I remember. We were their oldest children. Then when we were older, we got a job at the theatre selling tickets - mainly to see if our boyfriends were there. When the movie was over we would go out with the boys in their car. It was just to drive around town but your Dad & my Dad would be following us. It was just so embarrassing!!! Then we would be dropped off at home. Hahaha! Such a fond memory now, I will never forget it.❤️ We are both so fortunate to have such loving fathers. I'm so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts at this time.🙏

Arlys and family, I am so sorry to hear this news. I will always remember your dad's kind, smiling eyes. Treasure your special memories and take good care of yourselves.

Every visit with Willard was enjoyable and good for a few laughs. They usually got around to the hunting story of Al and I driving around a small slough and Willard and Alec watching us with no luck and going on...as the story goes Willard said let's go walk the slough and Alec said no point they just drove around it. But Willard and Alec walked that small slough and they shot a buck in the slough. He loved to tell me that story and I loved every version of it over the years. Willard and Marion never missed an event in Lucky Lake and were true community leaders. Take care and all the best to the Ross and Extended Families

Our deepest sympathy to Willard's family. He was always so happy and friendly. No matter if you saw him on the golf course or in his store you were greeted with a smile.

To Willard's Family and the Community Surrounding You: We are deeply saddened to received the news about Willard's death. He was a wonderful man to his family and to the community. It was very easy to like and love Willard. He was genuine, honest and sincere. Such wonderful memories arise as I remember my days in Lucky Lake (2000-2005) of Willard. He embraced a VERY inexperienced Curler to join himself, Laurie Tharp and Bruce MacIntosh to join their team. I quickly learned how to sweep and to learn Willard's signals from one end to the other. Oh what an experience with those 3 fine men: Willard used the curling stick to throw the rock because of his bad knees, Bruce could only sweep the first few feet because of his breathing challenges, and Laurie couldn't hear. I smile broadly thinking about those evenings at the rink. His dedication to the church and his strong faith were unwavering and steadfast. His wisdom, his common sense, his gentle humour and the level of trust that he offered was a true gift to the ministry I was privileged to share during my time in the community. His love of family was deep and everyone one of his family were his delight and joy. Thoughts of Willard are deeply interwoven with thoughts of Marion - a great love story to be cherish. Any return visits to Lucky Lake always included a visit to their home and the door was always open and arms ready for a hug. And I never knew when the phone would ring and there would be Willard checking in to ask "how are things?" This happened through the past 18 years since I moved back to the Maritimes. He was a good man. We extend our love and support to each and everyone of you and to the entire community who share in your loss and grief. My life and my ministry has been impacted by the life of Willard; we have been truly blessed as I know each of you have been blessed as well. Surrounding you with your love for this journey of grief you are upon. Love & Hugs - Rev. Neil McEwen and Philip Himmelman (Pentz, Nova Scotia)