John "Jack" Willis

Live stream at:    https://youtu.be/oiX9bhPHLwA

John Rogers Willis (Jack)

October 4, 1932 - December 1, 2020

Jack passed away peacefully at home with family at his side on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the age of 88. He was born October 4, 1932 in Haynes, Alberta to Roddy (Samuel Rogers) and Mabel (Cameron) Willis. He had four siblings: brother, Joe Willis (Shirley); sisters, Susan Johnson (Sandi),  June Nielson (John), and Sharon Dilworth (John). The family moved to Lacombe, Alberta when he was twelve.

Jack started working for Producers Pipeline in 1950. He met and married Margaret Weldon on January 26, 1952. He was transferred to Estevan, SK. in 1956. He was then transferred to Carnduff, SK. in 1970. Marg died in 1980 and he married Ruth Cousins in 1990. They resided in Gainsborough.

Jack worked 46 1/2 years with the pipline. He was a devoted husband and father. He was a boy scout leader, loved to camp and fish, played golf, downhill skied and his shop was his haven. He was a master of fix it or invent it. He made a lawnmower from a washing machine and could invent parts to make anything work. He made us stilts, go carts, paper mache masks for Halloween and took us on Sunday drives to Estevan which usually ended up with a stop at Dairy Queen or a family friends house. He was frequently asked to manufacture trophies for his company curling or golf tournaments and he built desk and drawers in his work van for calibrating meters. In spring he would take us on the hill, where the comprehensive school is now, to see crocuses and cactuses.

He was a longtime attendee of the Gainsborough United Church and brought a few friends with him over the years. He loved hymns, western and bagpipe music. He developed a drinking problem over the years and at 40 he chose to change. He embraced the AA program and died two months short of 48 years of sobriety. He found the program helped him in all aspects of life and he tried his best to share that with others who needed help navigating their life without alcohol.

Jack was predeceased by his parents; wife, Margaret; wife, Ruth; daughter-in-law, Pat Willis; sister, June Nielson and her husband John; brother-in-law, Sandi Johnson; and nephew, Darcy Willis.

Jack is survived by his son, Roger Willis (Sharla); daughters, Judy Willis, Laura Goosen (Rick), Shelly Vass (Miles); son, Joe Willis (Pam); step-son, Greg Cousins (Paulette); step-daughters, Cathie Cowan (Craig) and Laurie Dyck (Aaron), twenty two grandchildren; twenty four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a sea of dear friends.

A small private family funeral service took place at Knox United Church, Gainsborough, with Rev. Rob Reed officiating. The interment followed at the Carnduff Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jack may be made to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, 2 Overlea Blvd. Toronto, ON. M4H 1P4, or a charity of one’s choice.

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

forever in the next.

Amen.

 Service Information