Obituary of Dennis Larry Willis

Willis – Dennis Larry Willis passed away peacefully on December 11th 2014 at our Lady of the Rosary Hospital. “Denny” was born in Yakima, Washington on September 26th 1919 to Denver and Helen Willis. He was their eldest child and only son. His three younger sisters were Dorothy, Donna and Dolly. He spent his youth between Enderby, BC, with his family and Fleet, AB helping his grandfather (Bill) homestead. When WWII broke out, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Joining the Canadian Air Force was a bit of a dilemma as he was a US Citizen, so he then became a Canadian Citizen. It was during this time he met his future wife, Jessie, and they were married on September 2nd 1941. They were married for 71 years. Just before the war ended, Denny was granted a compassionate leave to come back to Fleet as Grandpa Bill had suffered some burns in a fire and needed help. This visit back to the farm ended up lasting for 30 years. Dennis and Jessie raised five children on that farm. In 1975 they retired off the farm and moved into Fleet for a few years, then in 1987, they moved to Castor. When the addition to the Paintearth Lodge was finished in 2008, they made the final move. Through the years Denny tried his hand at many things. He was with a logging crew in BC, a farmer, elevator agent and insurance agent. While living on the farm, he built a house, and with each move, did a variety of renovations. One of his hobbies was wood carving, which he enjoyed very much. He also enjoyed playing cards, pool, floor curling and was a lifetime member of the Elks. He had a big heart and was happiest when he was helping someone else. Denny is survived by his sister Donna; daughter in law Eleanor; daughter Bonnie (Lawrence) O’Hara; son Bruce (Carie) Willis; son Rod (Dorothy) Willis and daughter Tammy (Greg) Frank; nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and one great great grandson. He was predeceased by his wife Jessie; son Richard; two sisters Dolly and Dorothy. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation may make them to the Paintearth Lodge or to Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Foundation.