Willis, Kenneth Nicholson
March 3, 1919 - February 19, 2007
Ken Willis, loving husband and father, passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital with his family caring for him. He was predeceased by his first wife Eileen in 1990. Left to mourn him are his wife Helen; his children Kenneth J. Willis (Susan), Colette Marshall (John), Beverly Haslam (Malcolm); stepdaughter Karen Grimshaw; grandchildren: Kenneth S. Willis (Deborah), Aaron Willis, Colette Mondin (Marc), Craig Idiens (Tara), Robbie Montgomery (Wilf), Wendy Hryb (Taras), Kayla Grimshaw; great-grandchildren Hayden Mondin, Bryce and Joel Idiens; his sisters: Margaret Fitzgerald, Eileen Gibbs, Lilian Cliffe; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Born in England, Ken came to Vancouver Island as a baby shortly after the 1st World War. Except for a very brief stop in Sooke on arrival from England, Ken spent all of his life in the Comox Valley, growing up in Merville with his parents and three sisters.
In 1939 Ken joined the army to serve in the 2nd World War. After duty in England and Holland, he returned home with his wife Eileen and the first two of his children, again settling in the Merville area and returning to his work with the Comox Logging and Railway Company. Ken worked as the Office Manager/Accountant for Comox Logging and its successors until his retirement in 1982.
In 1959 Ken was elected as a School Board Trustee. And, in 1962 he was elected as an Alderman for the City of Courtenay, serving the City for six years.
Following his retirement, Ken enjoyed many years of traveling, visiting and enjoying many parts of the world such as England, Europe, the Mediterranean countries, Egypt, South Africa, the Caribbean, New Zealand, Australia (where he climbed Ayers Rock on his 65th birthday), Southeast Asia and North America.
A Life Member of Courtenay Legion, Branch 17, Ken is also a Past President and just recently received his 60 year pin. He felt strongly about the Legion and its worthwhile work and benefits for all veterans.
He loved the outdoors and had a vast knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area. He was an avid reader — enjoying historical and biographical books, as well as a good novel.
A Poppy Service will be held for Ken in the Upper Hall, Courtenay Legion, on March 3, 2007, 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Poppy Fund, Branch 17, Courtenay Legion, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.