WILLIS, Roy
March 23, 1937 – June 16, 2023
Roy Willis was born March 23rd, 1937. He passed peacefully on June 16, 2023. Roy was predeceased by his wife and love of his life, Florence (Flo) Willis.
Roy was born in Thunder Bay to a large family. He started his work life at 14, leaving home for the docks with only a backpack and finagling a dishwasher job on ship. Roy worked his way up through all the ship positions, was even a ship Captain in the Arctic for five years, before eventually becoming Vice President of the Seafarers Union. Roy lived all over the country from Vancouver to Newfoundland, but never forgot where he was from. He sent money home to his mother every month for years (until she passed).
His wife, Flo, was a career woman, who also worked her way up, with Air Canada so they traveled all over the world. Roy was incredibly supportive and proud of her accomplishments. He described Flo coming into his life as when he was given an education on how to open up and love others. When health problems made retirement the right choice, Roy and Flo became snowbirds and this is when he got involved in politics. He even ran for mayor in Mississauga once before they returned home to retire in Thunder Bay.
Once they were reminded of the weather in Thunder Bay, the Willis’s found their little dream place on the Napanee River where Roy looked after Flo through a difficult illness.
Roy became a beloved member of his community here in Napanee. Even after the loss of Flo, he put his energy into those around him. He donated to charity, continued to help out with political causes and campaigns, he built friendships and kept his home and heart open for everything from a coffee to a stay. He found a constant companion in his beloved puppy, Sparky, and he became a significant part of his neighbour’s families. Roy found a new love of fishing on the Bay of Quinte.
He worried about everyone else right up to the end. He told all those who love him, to please not be sad and to take care of each other. “I’m at peace and going off to dance with Flo again”, he said “I want memories of me to make you happy and when you get in bind think what would Roy do and I’ll be right there with you”.
To honour that request, we leave you with one of Roy’s favourite sayings: “it cost’s nothing to be nice, but it always pays well”. Roy’s loss will be greatly felt but he will live on in the memories of those lucky enough to have known and loved him.
A Celebration Of Life will be held Wednesday July 5, 2023 from 4pm – 6pm in the backyard of Roy’s House in Napanee.
Online condolences, memories and photos can be shared with the family at www.milestonecremation.ca
