WILLIS, LAWRENCE (LARY)
FREDERICK LEE - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Lawrence (Lary) Frederick Lee Willis who at the young age of 66 passed away unexpectedly on September 26th, 2012 at his home in Wirral, NB. Lary owned and operated Willis' Esso Service Stations on Manawagonish Road in Saint John and Martinon. He worked for Purdy's Sales & Service, Universal Sales, ending his career with the Department of Transportation, Oromocto School Bus Garage, retiring in 2002. Since retirement, Lary embarked on a new career as a recovery agent, spending many enjoyable days and having great adventures throughout Eastern Canada and the US with his travelling buddies Chris, Joe & Murray. Lary loved life, puttering in his garage, 4-wheeling, fishing, restoring tractors and listening to music. Lary could always be found helping someone in need, no matter how big or small, he could find the answer, fix the problem or build just about anything. He brought humour, wit and kindness to all that he met and especially loved helping the seniors in his community. His community and family were very important to him. He was Trustee of the Wirral Baptist Church, Vice-Chairperson of the Wirral Community Organization and volunteered with many of the local community organizations as auctioneer, mc'ing variety shows, cooking, and working canteens. He will be truly missed by his loving wife of 42 years, Gail (Kirkpatrick), his children, Tammy (Terry) Gallant of French Lake, Scott (Angela) Willis of Fredericton, the apple of his eye, grandson Marc Lawrence and his new beloved furry friend, Oliver. Lary was an extraordinary brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. He leaves behind his sisters Alta Marr, Linda (David) Charlton, his brother's Peter (Cecile) Willis, Edward (Charline) Willis, special aunt Marion Kirk and his sisters-in-law Eleanor Willis, Dorothy (Ken) Charlton, Marion (Curtis) Swim, Margo (Roger) Montreuil and brother-in-law Robert (Estelle) Kirkpatrick many nieces, nephews, cousins and Eric Kirkpatrick, nephew and special friend. Lary was pre-deceased by his parents, Walter & Elizabeth (Donald) Willis, his in-laws, Weyman & Gertrude Kirkpatrick, his older brother Calvin (Gib) Willis and brother-in-law Charles Marr.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, September 29th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the Sunbury Funeral Home, Central Blissville, NB. A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, September 30th at the Wirral Baptist Church with interment immediately to follow in the Wirral Baptist Cemetery. Reception will be held after interment at the Wirral Community Hall. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Sunbury Funeral Home, Central Blissville, NB, (506) 368-2413. www.sunburyfuneralhome.com.
As a true supporter of community, in lieu of flowers, donations in Lary's memory would be graciously appreciated to the Wirral Baptist Church, the New Brunswick Association for Community Living (www.nbacl.nb.ca) or to the Lary Willis Memorial Bursary to be awarded to an OHS graduate entering a mechanics apprenticeship program. Donations to the bursary can be made at any Fredericton or Oromocto branch of Scotiabank.