I had a fleeting thought of Wills today and felt the need to share. Wills, because that is how I knew him. A warrior. We were part of the same cohort of people who did basic training with. The original Crew 11. Wills was by far the best of us all. The purest heart and the goofiest human being. In all the best ways possible. My friend and I used to look for him during training nights and he was constantly remembered by his witty yet funny ways of talking about things. I remember the pain and the hardship we had to go through during basic training, and we were all so optimistic and proud when that ended. We were so excited for the bright future ahead. A new adventure. I wish I had taken the time to truly know him. I remember seeing him for the last time, not knowing it would be the last... and still today it pains me that I did not gather the courage to say Hi again. But I remember him. Standing tall and looking just the way I had remembered him 3 years earlier. As I released from the forces, my one wish is that all those who are lost can be found. It is a hard place for kind spirits to wander in a place with so much hate and despair. I hope Wills found his safe haven and is watching over all the people that showed him love. You have touched many in simply being yourself Wills. Ain't that the greatest gift. You are a breath of fresh air for anyone who crosses your path. I know your light will keep shinning on all of us down here.

I only met my cousin Joey a couple of times at the cottage many years ago. I remember him to be a sweet and bright little boy. I am sad and regretful that I did not know him more. My deepest condolences to all who knew him well. This time of deep loss reminds us to treasure the moments we have with the special people in our lives. Wishing strength and comfort to your family. May you rest in peace Joey.

Your cousin, Kari

What can I say, Joey, it breaks my heart to see you go but the struggles you went through, and where you are now, gives peace of mind. This life is not easy for any of us. Our shared condolences from the Kent-ladies, Samantha, Sarah and Nicole, Aly and Jim. We will see you on the other side soul child.

Aly and Jim.

I met Joseph once during a training night with the HMCS Tecumseh. The Mar Tech department was measuring a battery housing for the PID unit travel trailer, and before others did, S3 Wills had offered to help with setting up a ladder we needed to reach the housing. I briefly spoke with him regarding his career and he mentioned he worked with the City of Calgary, which I had as well. I mentioned I had applied for the same role he was working in, and he said he could put a word in for me if I was still interested, even though he didn't have much influence. It was a privilege to have spoken with Joseph, even if just once.

I do not have words to convey the vacuum that has been created by this loss. S3 Wills, I knew you for a short time but your positive impact will linger as you always leave everyone you encounter with a positive vibe. Rest on sailor. Your memory, kindness and positivity lives on.

In Loving memory and Everlasting heartfelt Love to Joseph Allan Wills, forever a dear sweet Angel... your life on Earth was cut short, in your prime. May our prayers reach you and bless you as you soar through the Magnificence, Beauty, Harmony and Peace of Heaven and find comfort in the Arms of LOVE in the knowing that All is well.

You are dearly missed by your Aunt "Suzi", Uncle "Goofy" Brian, cousins Brandon and Kylana Terry.

Joseph was born in Revelstoke, BC, to Gayle and Brian WIlls, attended Jolliet High School and went on to studies at McGill University. "Joey" was a member of the Canadian Navy HMCS Tecumseh and volunteered with various organizations. He worked as a water treatment engineer, was a computer wiz and knowledge gatherer.

The son of Brian Glen Wills and Gayle Abney, Joey is the loving brother of Myron Clifford and Jonathan Alexander Wills, nephew of Katelyn Wills (Steve Burnside) of Duncan, BC, Liela McClenaghan (Alan) of Hillsdale, ON, Kalena Loo (Tom) of Honolulu, James Wills (Barbara) of Burlington and Susan Terry (Brian) of Callander, ON. Lovingly remembered by his cousins: Joel Horsley, Dwayne Hausenhandl, Tara Sutherland, Ryan McClenaghan, Kimberly Grierson, Kari Styles, Laura Wills, Emily Wills, Brandon and Kylana Terry; Jake and Jorja Styles, Josh and Alyssa Green, Abigail Grierson, Atli Dawn and Lex Terry. A pre Cremation ceremony will take place on Joey's birthday, Saturday, November 11, at 3:30 pm via a Zoom call. If you wish to join in the celebration of life after death on Zoom, please contact Susan Terry via email at sterry@peace-school.org or phone 705-498-5605

Our sincere condolences for the loss of this wonderful soul.

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Joey Wills. To me, I knew him mostly as S3 Wills - he was a colleague at HMCS Tecumseh. I will forever remember his humour, his wit and his sharp tongue. I also know how much he persevered, worked hard and maintained positivity even when times in the military were difficult. I don’t know what kind of pain you were going through and why you couldn’t persevere and make it through the other side just like you did your basic training. Maybe it’s not for us to know. Everyone is different and we carry different emotional baggage, pain and suffering. I won’t pretend to know what it’s like to walk in his shoes. But please know that I’m proud of S3 Wills and I was happy to know him. It stings me greatly knowing I won’t see him again. Rest in Peace, Wills. That is a phrase that really does not roll off the tongue.