Richard Dale WILLS

Richard Dale Wills of Kyle, SK passed away at the age of 72 years after a short, but courageous battle with cancer on March 10, 2019 at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, SK.

Richard was born on July 20, 1946 in Shaunavon, SK, the third son of Cecil and Alice Wills of Eastend, SK. He was raised on a farm in the Brownville School District and attended that school for eight years, making a one mile journey on foot to the one room school house.  When the school closed, Richard attended Eastend High School, graduating in 1965. In January of 1967, he moved to Kyle and apprenticed in Sheet Metal with Kyle Plumbing and Heating obtaining his journeyman status.     

Richard married Janet Strom on October 24, 1970. In 1972, they moved to Kamloops, BC and he worked for Valleyview Plumbing and Heating. They returned to Kyle in the spring of 1973. Richard continued working for Kyle Plumbing and Heating until 1980, when, in partnership he formed the business of R & R Plumbing and Heating Ltd.  In 2007, he became employed as Caretaker for the Sun West School Division at the Kyle Composite School until his passing.

Richard was very involved in the Kyle community.  He was an active member of the Kyle and District Recreation Board, a volunteer member and Fire Chief of the Kyle Fire Department, member of the Kyle Curling Club, charter member of the Kyle Kinsmen Club, on the building committee for the Kyle Community Sports Centre, minor hockey vice-president, manager of minor hockey teams and an executive member of the Kyle Elks Hockey Club and a member of the Kyle Golf Club.

His greatest enjoyment in life was being a Dad and Grandpa to his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching or being part of their activities, especially their hockey. He always enjoyed watching the Kyle Elks Hockey team play since the first time he moved to Kyle and for a few years it was extra special when Trent, Curtis and Greg played together for the Elks.  Greg continued playing for many years and thus, the “Willton Inn” was established with the “Elks Boys” having their own personal bed and breakfast thanks to Richard and Janet.

Richard loved and was very proud of his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching their sports, especially their hockey and any other activities they were involved with. He loved fishing, golfing, hunting or playing cards with them.

Richard had so many hobbies. He loved woodworking and one project in particular was a hockey stick table he made for his eldest grandson.  Richard enjoyed old country music, dancing, gardening and yard work, fishing, hunting and golfing.  Often in the evening, he enjoyed a jigsaw puzzle or a good Louis Lamour book.

Richard is survived by his loving wife Janet (née Strom) of 48 years; children Trent (Andrea), Curtis (Tina) and Greg (Beckie); grandchildren Noah & Levi, Chloe & Jace and Nolan & Alix; brothers Ken (Ethel), Dwain and Orland;  sister-in-law Ann (Danny Smith); brother in-law Gordon Strom and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was predeceased by his parents Cecil and Alice Wills, Janet’s father Oscar Strom, mother-in-law Jackie Strom (Prime), grandson Grady Wills and sister-in-law Lucille Wills.

A Celebration of Richard's life was held on Monday, March 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kyle Elks & Community Hall with Mr. Jim MacNaughton officiating.

Donations in memory of Richard may be made to the Kyle Community Sports Centre c/o Town of Kyle, P.O. Box 520, Kyle, SK, S0L 1T0 or to the Kyle Elks & Community Hall c/o Town of Kyle, P.O. Box 520, Kyle, SK, S0L 1T0.