First of all, my condolences go out to all of his family. He will be missed by more people than you can imagine as he was one of the most likable people I know. Big hearted and very well respected by all those he touched. I did have the pleasure of curling both with Willy and against him. I preferred to play with him, as you were most likely to lose playing against him!! Regretably, I didn’t get a chance to golf with him but we talked a lot of golf. After getting to know Willy, I just wish I had met him sooner and could have had more time enjoying his company, sense of humor and his always positive attitude. I am thankful that he considered me as a friend. He was truly a great man and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

I never had the pleasure of being on Willy's curling team, but always enjoyed playing the game with him on the ice and off the ice. From our first handshake, it was not hard to tell that this gentleman was filled with integrity, honesty, genuineness, sportsmanship, and tons of spirit. I will miss you Willy! My condolences to all of Willy's family. Sincerely, Lorne Goodman

Sincere condolences to Willy’s family. It was a pleasure for me to have known and curl against Willy. I never actually curled with Willy (came close a few times) but I really enjoyed the challenge of curling against him over the years. He was a very competitive curler on the ice and a great story teller off the ice as everybody knows. Like most of us he didn’t like losing which he didn’t do very often. The curling fraternity has lost a great curler and a real personality and he’ll be missed. What I will personally miss the most will be the loud greeting of “Moeski” every time I saw him at the rink. Rest In Peace buddy.

I like many others in the Calgary curling community mourn the loss of our friend, Willie. I offer my most profound condolences to his loving wife Zella and all his family in this time of sorrow. One of my best curling memories is having the privilege to play with Willie, Ernie and Scott in last years Strathmore Men's bonspiel. We managed to get to the A semi final where we just lost in an extra end but I'll be forever amazed that at the age of 85, Willie was so skilled and competitive. The curling rink will not be the same without Willie's presence and particularly his joke telling. He always managed to come up with a zinger! I feel fortunate to have known Willie, he was one of a kind.

Sad to here Willy has passed on. First met Willy through curling many long years ago. We curled one spiel together and competed with each other in a number of Bonspiels and club curling. He loved to play and was great to play against or with. Our approach to the game was much the same and we would often discuss what should have or not should have been done. Willy was passionate about the game and any thing he did. He had a loud laugh and you knew he was in the building whenever the laugh was heard. I am honored to have known him. He was a great family man as well and proud of his family. May we meet again on the other side. Save a spot for me on the team. God Bless.

My sincere codolences to all family members and friends. I got to know Willy through curling at Inglewood. I was totally amazed at his abilities, watching up top behind the glass before joining the Tuesday, Thursday league a number of years ago. They were the team to beat and rarely would you catch them on an off day. We somehow forged an acquaintance probably because of my relationship with is friend Dennis Shupe. He was always interested in helping me out with my approach to the game. He was a believer in practice time. The thing I will take away from him is the interest he had for all who knew him. I will miss his jokes and how he could only tell them. He was a great human being. He made a difference. Rest in peace and thanks for all your advice. Tom Kelly.

From your curling and golf friends at Inglewood Willie, Godspeed, Miss you.

Rob Park

Hi Zella

I am so sorry to hear of Willy’s passing. You are so devoted to him and your family! I do remember, at Queensland, your sharing of great adventure#. May those memories help ease your grief. Dell

Hi Zella, I hope the photo I uploaded works. It is from 1983 and we are gathered to celebrate 50yrs at Hussar which, because of you and your whole family, was always our favourite spot to connect with our relatives. I love this picture as it shows Willy sharing a huge laugh with my brother Ken and Hans. You can also see Donna and Frank also sharing the contagious energy that Willy always brought with him. Willy's energy and laughter not only filled rooms, it filled large open fields. He will be missed but not forgotten by any of us knew him.

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Bob and Flora McLean

I knew Willy mainly through curling and had the pleasure of curling both with and against Willy for many years. There are many memories but one of the most memorable was playing with Willy for an eight ender in the ARC Petroleum League, it was the 5th end, on November 10th, 2000. He will be dearly missed but always remembered. Our condolences are extended to Zella and family.

Rod and Lona Butcher

Zella,

Our most sincere thoughts of sympathy go out to you, Dwight, Brent their families.

Having known Willy for many years through baseball, curling, golf and Stacy and Brent in school together, we have many fond memories to cherish.

Such a gentleman with such a hearty laugh! He will be missed.

We share your sorrow,

Stan & Darlene Miller

Always enjoyed time on the ice or on the golf course with Willy. And he was a great joke-teller!

We will miss him.

It was an honour to call Him Uncle. I loved the way he lit up a room. His laugh made everyone smile. I love how he loved everyone of us. We will miss him so much!

Joni

Xo

What a great man and a true competitor I knew through golf and curling..Diane Foster

A true competitor, a gentle man.

When you stepped on a sheet of curling ice with Willy Sanders, whether you were playing on his team or against him, you knew it was GAME ON, and you had better be up to the challenge !

It was an honour to get to know the man.

Rest in Peace Willy.

Hugs to Zella and family - I still remember you Guys looking after Larry and I when mom and Dad we’re away - mom will be 102 on April 23 and still doing well

Rest in Peach Willy. You were always bigger than life in our little town of Hussar.

Sincere sympathy to your family.

Diane (Sandum) Michalenko

I have known Willy for more years than I care to remember and know that everyone he met became his friend..we will miss his huge presence in the room and his sense of Humor. He lived life to the fullest every day, and he will be missed..my condolences to Zella, Dwight, and Brent and families...Barb Feradi

My thoughts and prayers are with the Sanders family on the passing of Willy. One thing I remember is his hearty laugh.

It is with great sadness that I hear of the passing of Willy. I had many enounters with Willy both during a curling game and when discussing one bonspiel, that for Willy and his team, seemed to go on for far too long. We did learn from that. He always enjoyed his curling and always had a smile. My condolences to all of his family.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Sanders family. You are right in that Willy has left a very great impression on many of us. Bruce always enjoyed his encounters with Willy - whether it was on or off the ice. I just have to look at his picture and can hear him laugh.

RIP Uncle Willy.