Willis (Bill) passed away at Lion's Gate Hospital, North Vancouver, B.C. on April 30, 2021 at age 83. He fought a short but courageous battle with lung issues and in the end succumbed to COVID-19. Bill is survived by his wife, Helen; children, Greg (Michele), Les and Heather (Trent); grandchildren, Nichole, Tiffany, Dylan and Stephanie (Stefan); great-grandchildren; Kailee, Kyzer and Sophia; sister-in-law, Marg Pitt, brothers-in-law; Ken Knutt, Ken Wilson, Ron Wilson (Vicky) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant son; his parents, Tom and Mary Pitt, mother and father-in-law, Gladys and Bill Wilson; brother, Robert; sisters Doreen and Patricia; sister-in-law, Wilma Knutt.
Bill was born on a farm near Mair, Saskatchewan on July 23, 1937. At a young age the family moved to Lenore, Manitoba, where his parents ran the small café before moving to Brandon.
Bill worked for CP Rail for 35 years. During the first five years of railroading, Bill worked in several stations as a relief Assistant Agent. From 1961-1967 he was Assistant Agent at Morden, MB. Bill and Helen were married in 1962 and made their first home in Morden. During Bill's years with CP Rail, he was transferred to Brandon, MB (twice), Carman, and Winnipeg, where he retired in 1991. Bill loved to square and old-time dance, play and later watch sports, garden, and spend time with the grand and great-grand children. They had a trailer at Spruce Sans Trailer Resort on Lake Winnipeg for over 20 years. While he was still in good health they took several vacations to Florida, Mexico, Hawaii and throughout the US. In 2011, Bill and Helen relocated to Squamish, B.C. to enjoy the milder winters. Each summer they returned to Spruce Sands and their trailer. After selling the trailer they bought a small motor home so they could travel and visit family and friends in MB and SK.
Arrangements are entrusted to Squamish Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, 40440 Tantalus Rd, Squamish, BC. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing may make a donation to a charity of their choice in Bill's name. Due to COIVD-10, a celebration of Bill's life will be held in Brandon, MB at a later date.