It is with both great sadness for the loss, and gratitude for the end to the suffering, that the family of Robert (Bob) Donald Willis, beloved husband of Edna, announces his passing on September 7, 2009 in the palliative care unit of St. Michael's Health Centre in Lethbridge. Bob left this world peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.

The eldest of five children, Bob was born to Alberta and Donald Willis in Fergus, Ontario on June 10, 1944. After completing high school in Ontario, Bob started management training with the S. S. Kresge Company. While with Kresges Bob worked in cities across the country from Halifax to New Westminster BC.. A transfer to Lethbridge resulted in a career change as Bob opened his own transmission repair shop once he and Edna made the decision to raise their growing family here. After selling the business he worked part-time for Sears Automotive Centre in Lethbridge.

Bob was an avid cook, gardener, and shopper! He took at lot of pride in finding the best deals - on pretty much everything! He was a faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 15 years. But more than anything Bob was a family man. He enjoyed having all of his girls - wife, daughters, granddaughters and his special sister-in-law Murielle around him. Having been surrounded by so many girls, he was also very grateful for his sons-in-law.

Bob is survived by Edna, his loving wife of 44 years. His daughters Michelle (Darrel) Borbely and their daughters Madison and Alexis, Diane (Glen) White and their daughters Melissa and Jessica, and Nicole (Eddy) Fitzner. He is also survived by sister Linda Hollingshead of Collingwood ON, brother Michael of Calgary AB, brother Bruce of Fort McMurray AB, and sister Kathy of Barrie ON. He is lovingly remembered by Edna's family as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bob was a kind, gentle man who will be remembered fondly for his generosity, spirituality, and incredible sense of humor - which he managed to maintain in the face of his many medical problems. He had unbelievable willpower and fought to remain with us right until the end.

A Memorial Service, Celebrating Bob's Life, will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2009 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael's Health Centre Palliative Care Unit, 1400 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge AB, T1J 4V5.