Robert Tyler Willey

Robert Tyler Willey, 92 of Essex Junction, VT passed away at the McClure Miller Respite House after a short illness on September 16th, 2025.

Bob was born to Giles H. Willey & Alma (Tyler) Willey on January 2nd, 1933, who instilled a hard work ethic and the love of family and community.

Bob grew up in Underhill, VT moving to Essex Junction in his early years. The Willey Farm was a place of much activity and antics, as one can only imagine, in a household of five boys. During his early years, he worked hard and often got into mischief with his four brothers: David, Donald, John, and William Willey. Bob, being the second eldest, was often the leader of pranks with his brothers and local pals which in today's world would have led to major discipline but in the old days it was harmless entertainment. During this time Bob and his brothers also worked at Camp Kiniya in the stables where the "Willey Boys" had many great times. Bob was quite the equestrian as well, even entering and excelling in a horse show at Madison Square Garden.

Bob graduated from Essex Junction High School and then majored in Animal & Dairy Husbandry at the University of Vermont. He served in the US Army for two years, received an honorable discharge, and was subsequently employed at Burroughs Corporation alongside several of his brothers. Following Bob's early work and military careers, he went on to be a co-founder of BKW in the late 70's, a banking hardware company, located in Bradford VT. During this time, his son Giles joined him in the early 80's, which led him to his greatest pride (other than his family), co-founding Vermont Systems, Inc. in 1985 with his son Giles with two of his daughters, Laurie & Kate, following soon thereafter. He proudly served as President and later as Chairman of the Board until the sale of VSI in 2020, retiring at the "young" age of 88. Bob was the ultimate salesman. He had an extraordinary gift for resolving any concern or hesitation a customer might have, often turning a moment of doubt into lasting trust- and gaining yet another loyal customer in the process. VSI's early slogan was "Building a business one satisfied customer at a time." Bob's salesmanship accounted for much of this along with the amazing VSI team. Over the years he mentored many employees, and his office was always available for a chat or to dole out the sweets during the holiday, so no one would indulge too much, too quickly! Bob was a father figure to many of his employees. He valued these relationships and cherished his VSI family. Because of Bob's generosity, 93 employees participated in the sale of VSI as it was 100% employee owned. An amazing legacy.

Bob met his loving wife, Sandra, in 1952 while attending UVM. He was a Sigma Nu fraternity member, and she was a Tri Delta sorority member. They met in the cafeteria, and it was love at first sight. Sadly, Sandy died just a month before Bob. This void in Bob's life was deep and raw grief, and we know they are reunited again in love.

Bob & Sandy were married for 70 years and lived a long and happy life together rearing their four children: Kim Willey (deceased), Giles Willey, Laurie Valley (Tom), Kate Mitchell (Greg [deceased]). In 1974 their daughter Kim died, and this tragedy was life changing for the whole Willey family. With Bob & Sandy's guidance the family survived, and Kim lives on in all of us.

Being a grandfather was one of Bob's biggest joys. When they were young, but old enough to help on the farm, Bob was known to manufacture jobs (moving rocks as an example) just to spend time together and, of course, be able to pay them for a job well done. Bob didn't believe in handouts; he valued the fulfillment and lessons that come from earning your way. To him, it wasn't just about making money-it was about taking pride in your work and finding joy in doing it well. He is survived by grandchildren Jordan and Taylor Willey, Jessica (Kyle) Damon, David Valley, Jack (Shannon Murtha) Valley, Josh (Jen Cook) Mitchell, and Ryan (Micaela) Mitchell, all of whom hold treasured memories of him as a kind and caring "grampie."

Bob is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Wesley, Jonathan, Bennett Valley, Avery Mitchell, and Tyler Damon.

Bob was a valued community member being Past President of what was formerly known as the Essex Junction Village in the 1970's, Lions Club President and running the Lions Club Horseshow during the 1970's, VT Senior Games Board (as of 2010) retiring only a few years ago after years of playing basketball at the VT and National levels (as of 1990 until his late 80's) and being the "sports coordinator" for basketball. He also greatly enjoyed his basketball group called the "Golden Rims" at The Edge where he made such amazing friends and only this past summer decided it was time to hang up his shoes. Bob also mowed the St James Episcopal Church lawns for many years continuing until just before he died.

Bob will be remembered for his strong work ethic, impressive mowing abilities, devotion to his family, and dedication to VSI and its employees. All of us are better humans for having him in our lives.

Bob was predeceased by his wife Sandy, daughter Kim, parents Giles & Alma, his brothers David and Donald, and his son-in-law Greg.

The family wants to thank UVMMC Baird 3, Palliative Care/Hospice and the McClure Miller Respite House for their care and compassion in Bob's final days.

Per Bob's wishes there will be no visiting hours. A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 1–4pm at the Farmhouse at Sunset Pond (Essex Resort & Spa). The formal ceremony will begin at 1:30pm, lasting under an hour.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to McClure Miller Respite House at 1110 Prim Rd, Colchester VT 05446 (uvmhomehealth.org/give) or to Vermont Senior Games (vermontseniorgames.org).