JOHN ERNEST WILLIS

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JOHN ERNEST WILLIS Born June 13, 1913. Died April 11, 2002 John Ernest Willis was born in Manitou, MB and passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC. He moved to Winnipeg in 1919 with his mother Sadie and sister Eileen after his father Frank Willis was killed in France in World War One. He married Laura Campbell of Teulon, MB in 1937 and lived in the family home in East Kildonan, Winnipeg, until the early 70s. He was predeceased by daughter Roberta Jean in 1945 and wife Laura in 1993. He is survived by daughter Fran Willis of Victoria, BC and daughter Kathryn (Brian) Wilkinson of Dugald, MB, grandson Scott (Lisa) Wilkinson of Dugald, MB and granddaughter Roberta (Andy) Williston of Anola, MB and sister Eileen Dill of Winnipeg. He was involved in the local community club, Scouts, etc., and St. Stephens Anglican Church, in Winnipeg, and was president of Kildonan and North Winnipeg Conservative Associations. He was a member of the East Kildonan Kiwanis Club since its charter in 1947; president of the East Kildonan club 1950; Lieutenant-Governor 1953; Governor Western Canada District 1956; Secretary-Treasurer Western Canada District 1958-1960; International Trustee 1962-1966; and International Vice-President 1966-1969. He was elected to the Metro Corporation of Greater Winnipeg (METRO) from its inception in 1960 and served until it was dissolved on December 31, 1971. During this period he held the positions of Councillor, Vice-Chairman 1962-1967 and Chairman 1967-1971. As Metro Chairman he was involved in the first Tri-Level Conference of elected government officials. He was an active member of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) where he served as executive secretary and continued his involvement as late as the 1990s. The WILLIS AWARD for the Best Innovative Program is given annually in his name. He filled many roles within the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) while METRO Chairman and for many years up until the 1990s. Jack earned his living in business/sales in Winnipeg, spending most of his years as regional manager of Canadian General Tower, then with Fort Garry Travel, Fort Garry Trust and Bestlands Development. He was quick to volunteer his time and energy at all levels of service, dedicating his life particularly to family and community. He was greatly respected by all who knew him. People who knew him saw him as a man of integrity and honour, who stood by his own beliefs yet supported others in theirs, offering his generosity of support and friendship. He lived a full and rich life and will be mourned deeply and missed by his loving family and friends. For the past eight years (whilst in his 80s) he enjoyed his involvement as a daily volunteer with friends at the Municipal Archives, Esquimalt (Victoria, BC). He was an avid reader with special interests in history and travel. He spent his retirement years between his winter home in Florida and summer home in Manitoba. After moving to Victoria in 1991, he continued to spend his summers in Ponemah Beach and Winnipeg, MB, until his passing. A private family service will be held in Victoria and a memorial service will be held in Winnipeg at a future date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Jack may be made to the British Columbia Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1 - 947 Fort St., Victoria, BC V8V 3K3. SANDS of VICTORIA "A Tradition of Trust" 250-388-5155

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2002