Joseph Willis

On Sunday December 20th at the blessed age of 92 with family at his side, we sadly said our final goodbye to Joseph Willis.  Joe was married to Olga Willis for over 65 years, the love of his life and the person he dearly missed since she predeceased him in March of 2016.  Joe was a precious father to Pauline (Glenn), a legendary grandfather to Casey (Aimee), Ashley and Braedyn, a blessed great grandfather to Henry and Thomas and a proud uncle to beloved nieces and nephews in England!  Joe was never happier than being surrounded by family, especially in the sunshine or on an adventure.

Joe was born in Ashington, England.  He served in the British forces after WW2 working as a mechanic in Sudan.  His service experience led him to work with Buma Engineering Company in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England and ultimately a career with McDonnell-Douglas Canada after he immigrated to Toronto with his wife and daughter in 1964.  Joe retired from MDC in 1993 at the age of 65.

Joe was an adventurer, an outdoors-man with a love for travel.  Early trips across northern England on his bicycle led to much longer journeys throughout Europe with Olga on his motorcycle.  He enjoyed hunting and became a marksman with his bow and arrow.  His adventurous spirit soon led Joe and his family to Canada.  A new passion for scuba diving began with exploring ship-wrecks in the cold waters of Georgian Bay but led to his life-long love affair with the family cottage, one which he built entirely without the benefit of electricity on Christian Island.  Of course diving the much warmer and more colourful waters of the Caribbean would call Joe so it really wasn't long before the rest of the world beckoned as well.  Yet not just him but his family as well, because more than anything, being with his family was what mattered most.

Joe was ever the gentleman.  It seemed there was always a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.  His was a life well-lived.  He is loved and he is missed.  We will celebrate Joe's life with friends and family once pandemic restrictions permit.  Memories and condolences may be shared online at https://obituaries.basicfunerals.ca.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food bank.  Until we meet again Joe, “thanks fo' callin”, you will always be in our hearts!