Les Willis
1930 - 2011
Leslie Lincoln Willis was born on January 9, 1930 in Innisfail, Alberta and died on July 22, 2011 in Ponoka, Alberta at the age of 81 years. Les started in funeral service before he was 20 working in Medicine Hat and Edmonton before accepting a position in High River where he met Alberta Tiffin. They were married in 1955. After leaving High River, Les worked in Funeral Homes in Lacombe and Calgary before moving to Red Deer in 1976 to become manager of Red Deer Funeral Home. In1983, while in Red Deer, Les had an opportunity to become a partner in Bowker Funeral Home in Ponoka. In 1986 Les and Alberta left Red Deer to take over and manage Bowker Funeral Home. Les retired from funeral service in 1994. Les and Alberta then retired in Ponoka. Over the years Les was involved in local organizations such as the Kinsmen, Rotary, Canadian Legion and the Lions Club. He also always appreciated the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and golfing and ATVing. In 1974 Les built his own cabin at Sylvan Lake where he enjoyed spending time until selling it in 1996. After their retirement Les and Alberta always looked forward to spending winter months in Southern California and when they were home meeting friends at Tim Horton’s was a ritual he looked forward to at least once a day and many times twice. Les loved weight loss programs that included desserts and chocolate. His many unique sayings and other good memories will linger with those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace Les, you were always there when we needed you. Les will be sadly missed by his wife Alberta; daughter Roberta (Gordon) Harris, grandson Jesse and granddaughter Bobby-Jo all of Airdrie; daughter Darlene (Kent) Chilton, granddaughter Kimberly (Caaz) Willington and great-grandsons Kaelan, Jaxxon and Mason all of Lacombe, and granddaughter Carla (Ricardo) and great-granddaughter Londyn of Nanaimo; his brother Orville (Laurie) of Innisfail; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Les was predeceased by his parents and one brother. A Funeral Service was held at the Ponoka Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Shealagh McClelland officiating. Interment followed in the Forest Home Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Ponoka Wheel Chair Van Society. To express condolences to Les’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home
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