Obituary of Robert John WILLARD

March 1, 1953 – Ottawa, Ontario
May 12, 2021– Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the loss of Robert Willard, beloved husband of Gwen Willard (nee Delaney) of Calgary, AB. Bob passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the age of 68 years due to a sudden battle with cancer. 

Bob was born in Ottawa, ON on March 1, 1953 to John and Cecile Willard. He and Gwen married in 1974 in their hometown of Gananoque, ON. Bob graduated from Queen's University with a degree in Geological Engineering in 1975. In 1976 Bob and Gwen moved to Calgary where he began a lifelong career with the Alberta Energy Regulator, working within that organization for forty-one years. He was a member of APEGA. Bob stood out with his outstanding dedication to small-town Alberta communities and global regulatory issues with coalbed methane regulatory and policy development. He was also part of delegations which took him to London, Great Britain, Washington, DC, and Kiev, Ukraine. His qualities of fairness and devotion to hard work and good ethics stood out with his many colleagues and friends with the Alberta Energy Regulator.

Bob was an avid outdoor enthusiast which included duck hunting with his dog Shandi, camping, hiking and fishing with his family. He also enjoyed the joys of gardening. 

Bob will be dearly missed. He will be lovingly remembered for his dedication and love for his family, a kind and humble man who gained the friendship and love of all those who knew him. He was a wonderful husband, son, brother, father, and of course papa to his three beautiful grandchildren. Bob was the love of Gwen's life. 

Besides his loving wife, Bob is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jess and Monica; daughter and partner, Kimberly and Tom; and his three grandchildren, Riley, Daniel and Madison. Bob is also survived by his mother Cecile Willard and brother Michael Willard (Judy) of Gananoque, ON, as well as his uncle, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father, John Willard, of Gananoque, ON. 

Bob and Gwen have special memories of their travels together to Hawaii, Ireland, and London, England. They enjoyed sailing with their dear friends, building special memories over the years.

A Private Family gathering will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Bob's obituary at www.McInnis and Holloway.com.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Ducks Unlimited Canada, PO Box 1160, Stonewall MB R0C-2Z0, Telephone:(800) 665-3825, https://www.ducks.ca/how-to-help/#donation-options.

In living memory of Robert Willard, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.