Parcourez la nécrologie de George Edmund Patrick Pat Willis March 17 1931
August 11 2025 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
George Edmund Patrick (Pat) Willis Obituary
Willis, George Edmund Patrick (Pat)
Peacefully at the Smiths Falls Hospital on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the age of 94. Beloved husband of Lily Willis for over 70 years. Loving father of Kathy (Murray) O’Shea, and Dan (Virginia) Willis. Cherished grandfather of Heather (Arthur), Shauna (Terry), Brendan (Sara), Michael (Courtney), Jessica (Gordon), Steven (Natalie), Laura, Shawn, Adam (Issy). Forever missed by his great grandchildren Mattaes, Matilda, Eleanor, Piper, Grayson, Aspen, Clayton, Cheyenne, Melody, and Granger and his great, great grandchild Caspian. Predeceased by his parents George and Edith (Nell) Willis and siblings Barrie (Joan) Willis, Diane (Peter) Chadbourne. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A man of few words, it only takes a few words to describe Pat. Family, faith, and friends defined him. Honour, duty, and service are how he lived.
Pat’s life of duty and service began as a young boy in North Bay Ontario. At an early age Pat kept this northern community connected to the outside world on a daily basis. He delivered the Toronto Star door-to-door for years. Regardless of sun, rain, sleet, or snow the paper and the world was on everyone’s doorstep. Service continued as he matured. As a Boy Scout Pat helped his community and his peers.
Scouting formed a major aspect of Pat’s life. He continued beyond boyhood becoming a scout leader. Through scouting he molded young, unsure boys into mature men, solid contributors in their community and beyond. It was as a Scout Leader that Pat met the love of his life Lily Ferguson, and soon they were wed. Scouting continued. Through his efforts and successes, Pat rose to the level of District Commissioner of Algoma. He was instrumental in connecting his Scouts to the broader world, hosting a Northern Jamboree and participating in the 1st Ontario Jamboree in 1968.
Even Pat’s career was dedicated to public service. He joined Ontario Hydro straight out of high school. He did the full northern tour of smaller towns as he worked the power grid from dams and generating stations right through to your wall plug. 24/7 Pat worked round the clock to ensure the power kept flowing. For more than 38 years, when the power went out, it was Pat you called.
Pat built his family during those northern postings, the last of which was Elliot Lake in 1958. By 1968 it was time to put down roots and he began what would be his final posting in south-eastern Ontario. A little town with many industries including an RCA record plant and a Hershey Chocolate factory needed a stable power grid for growth. Pat stayed in his Smiths Falls posting until his retirement in 1987.
In Smiths Falls, duty and service continued. Through his leadership and outreach roles in the parish of St. Johns Anglican church and through Civitan, Pat continued to support the community at large. For many years it wasn’t Christmas until Pat was running the Civitan Fruitcake drive.
Pat was an avid golfer. He was one of the original founding team for the Elliot Lake Golf and Country Club, carved straight out of the Canadian Shield. With the move to Smiths Falls, Pat joined the Smiths Falls Golf and Country club, at the time a small 9-hole course. Pat remained an active member until he stopped playing 50 years later. Pat enjoyed golf year-round as a Florida Snowbird. Between golf games he was a card shark. You did not want to go up against him in cribbage, bridge, or poker.
Pat’s lifelong philosophy: “It never rains on a golf course!!”
Visitation at the Lannin Funeral Home, Main St. in Smiths Falls on August 18th, 2025 from 10 a.m. until noon. Memorial service at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Smiths Falls that same day at 1:30 p.m. A reception follows in the parish hall. Interment at St. Johns Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Canadian Cancer Society, or St. John’s would be appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lannin Funeral Home. Online condolences available at www.lannin.ca
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March 17 1931
August 11 2025
Décès pour la Ville:Smiths-Falls, Province: Ontario
avis deces George Edmund Patrick Pat Willis March 17 1931
August 11 2025
nécrologie George Edmund Patrick Pat Willis March 17 1931
August 11 2025
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de George Edmund Patrick Pat Willis March 17 1931
August 11 2025 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.