Willis Wilson

WILSON, Willis Raymond "Wil" It is with great sadness that we announce that Willis (Wil) Raymond Wilson passed away at home on 3 October 2009 at the age of 85 years. He left this world with the same strength and bravery that he lived his life. His wisdom, witty quips and exceptional sense of humor will be exceedingly missed by his daughter Janice, son-in-law Patrick Hirschi and granddaughters Christine and Samantha. Wil is survived by his sisters Barbara Baxter (Bill), Lawrencetown, N.S., Emma Brown (Bill) of Brockville, Ont. extended family in N.S. and N.B. and a multitude of friends. He also leaves his loyal Bichon dog, Spike. Wil is predeceased by his wife, Donnie (December 31, 2004) and parents, Clyde and Muriel Wilson. Wil was an extraordinary individual who lived a full and exciting life. He was born in Clarence, Nova Scotia 14 July 1924 and spent his youth playing hockey, hunting and fishing and working on his father's farm in the Annapolis Valley. Even as a young boy, Wil wanted to fly. At 17 he left home and worked as an orderly at the Nova Scotia Mental Hospital until he was old enough to enlist for WWII. He became an RCAF bomber pilot and flew 29 out of the required 30 operations before being shot down. Although he was the only one of his crew to survive, he became a POW. After the war Wil bought a plane and did some barnstorming. He then worked at various jobs such as truck driving and sales but eventually returned to the military to pursue a career in flying. He married the love of his life, Donnie Hazel of Truro, NS, and they had 51 marvelous years of living and traveling in Europe, a winter home in Florida, summers spent camping in their motorhome, fishing and hunting trips across the country and sailing trips in the Caribbean. They were known for their hospitality and zest for life which resulted in numerous lifelong friendships across Canada, the US and Europe. Wil was a pilot and flight instructor with the Air Force, stationed in NS, AB, France, Ont and MB. He retired from the military in 1969 and flew forest fire water bombers for a short time before joining Pacific Western Airlines and flying Hercules aircraft around the world and in Canada's Arctic. He retired from flying permanently in 1984, after logging well over 16,000 hours on 18 different aircraft and belonged to the Quarter Century of Aviation Club. He was also a member of the "Silk Worm" Club which is for people who have relied on a parachute to save their life. During his career he flew many flights under many circumstances, including world wars and civil wars, inclement weather and adverse conditions, humanitarian and medical needs. He was well read and insightful and always had interesting stories to tell. Wil and Donnie built a home in Namao, Sturgeon County, AB in 1972. They both loved the warm, welcoming community and the beautiful Sturgeon River valley. Wil was fond of saying that the next time he moved it would be with three men on either side of the box. Wil was able to remain at home despite declining health due to the support of Bev Sampson, RN, and the healthcare workers of Morinville Home Care. Thanks also to Classic Caregivers, Veteran's Affairs, the Sturgeon Hospital and Dr. Gordon Sollereder. A Memorial Service will be held 16 October at the Sturgeon Valley Golf and Country Club, 25114 Sturgeon Road at 4:00 p.m., reception to follow. Memorial donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited Canada PO Box 1160, Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0 or Trout Unlimited Canada Suite 160, 6712 Fisher Street SE Calgary, AB T2H 2A7. Evergreen Funeral Chapel & Reception Centre, Cemetery & Cremation Centre 780-472-9019