Our deepest condolences.

I will never forget the day I met Will, I work for a dentist in SW Calgary and saw Will walking through the parking lot of Westhills. Will had this large old briefcase in hand and as I watched him get closer I wondered to myself if it weighed more than him…, When he finally arrived at our door he introduced himself opened his suit case and asked if we were interested in buying his book. Not really interested in the book I still bought one because of his amazing story and personality. I went home that evening and told my husband about Will as he had made an impression on me. My husband seemed fascinated in Will’s story and as I showed my husband Will’s book I noticed Will put his phone number in the book… fate as it seemed. We quickly called Will and my husband talked to him and made plans for Will to meet at his business to help promote his book. Will sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers to my work thanking me for introducing him to Eric and helping him promote his book. That is what kind of person Will was, generous kind and loving. My husband Eric Kopp and Will quickly became friends and I know my husband is a better person after knowing Will.

We will always think of Will with a kind heart and he will be missed.

Melona Will and ERic Kopp

Our deepest condolences go out to all of Willard’s family.

Alpine Drywall (Calgary) Ltd.

Sending condolences to Donna & Family on the passing of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss and sadness. May your memories of your Dad be cherished forever and bring both laughter and tears to all the people he touched. I feel very honored to have known him and for his sharing of his book “The River Rats Came Home” and reading of his experiences during WWII. He truly was an amazing man.

I had the pleasure of meeting Will when he was signing and selling his books at Western Canadian Place. I talked with Will at great length and had the pleasure of meeting at his place for drinks and going over his war memorabilia. My wife Trudy and I were able to have him over for dinner recently and we had a lovely evening. We will certainly miss Will as he was a charming gentleman. Thankfully we have his books to remember him by. Our sympathies to all of you at this time and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mike & Trudy Taylor

I have had the pleasure of knowing Will for the last 4 years. We originally met through First Calgary Financial. He would regularly come to visit me. He also lived in the same building as my mother in law. We would regularly see him at the condos pancake breakfasts. He had a sweet heart. I admired that even in his retirement that he worked away on his book and was excited when he got to speak out on occasions like at his grand daughters school. He always spoke highly of his family. Will was a wonderful man. I am blessed for having met him and having got to know him. I send my heart felt condolences. He was well loved and will be missed dearly.

Having known Will for over 50 years in the construction industry, I can say that we have lost a real gentleman. It has been a pleasure to have been associated with Will. My condolences go to all the family.

Bob Steele

Donna, Diane, Rob, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this sad time. Your dad was truly an amazing man and I’m blessed for having known him. I hope you can remember to be proud in those moments that you find yourself not overwhelmingly sad, k?