WILLIS, Richard Arthur

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It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard (Rick/Dick) Arthur Willis who passed away peacefully after a long battle with illness, that he fought courageously for almost 2 years, on September 2, 2026.

Richard is now reunited with the love of his life, his wife of 51 years, Helen Donna May (Davidson) Willis, who predeceased him in 2014. He also leaves to mourn his passing, his common-law wife of the past 10 years, Barbara Kinny.

Born on May 29, 1943, Richard was raised in Chatham/Kent but along with Helen they spent most of their married life in Corunna, Ontario, where they raised their two daughters Kelly and Kim, whom he loved dearly and was incredibly proud of. As a youth, Richard played trumpet with the Chatham Police Boys Band, travelling across Ontario for parades and competitions. His lifelong passions were baseball and hockey, which he played well into adulthood. A devoted Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Tigers fan, he coached hockey in Mooretown and baseball in Corunna, sharing his love of the games with young players. He was also a longtime member of Mooretown Golf Course, where he played in several leagues.

He leaves behind a family who loved him beyond measure, including his daughters, Kelly (Paul) Brown, Kim (Craig) Davie and Barb’s son Brad (Helene) Kinny. He was the incredibly proud papa to his cherished grandchildren, Emily (James) Rodrigues-Gormley, Cameron (Leslie Zanette) David, Abby (Reece Monteith) Brown and Danica David who were the lights of his life and nothing brought him greater joy than watching them grow and celebrating their accomplishments. He will also be dearly missed by his

step- grandchildren, Nicki (Luke) Ringler, Jordan (Danielle) Brown and Raeanne (Niko) Pashalinos and Henry Kinny. Great- grandchildren Summer Gormley, Leonardo and Oscar David-Zanette, J.J., Noah and Rhys Innis and step-great grandchildren Austin, Ella and Audrey Ringler, Brooklyn Brown and Nikodimos Pashalinos will miss their Papa Dick dearly.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his sister Nancy (Charles) McIntosh and nephews Micheal (Mary) and Mark (Darlene) McIntosh. As well as his sister-in-law Doreen Caruthers and brother-in-law Bill Davidson and their extended families and Barb’s extended family as well. He was also predeceased by his father Arthur Willis, mother Helen, stepmother Dorothy, his in-laws Andrew (Scotty) and Dorothy Davidson, brother-in- law Larry Davidson and many other family members and friends.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that his love, guidance, and countless memories will remain with us always. He will be deeply missed, forever loved and always remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Many thanks to Dr. David Kim and his palliative care team, nurse Debbie from Bayshore who always put a smile on his face and the Bayshore PSWs for their support and home visits during his illness.

Cremation has taken place. Following Richard’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral. A private family graveside service will take place at a date not yet determined.

Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Bluewater Health Palliative Care team or St. Joseph’s hospice, Sarnia.