It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Albert James Wills on November 18, 2021 at the age of 76. Predeceased by his mother Mabel, father Albert Sr., and brother Graham. Albert left behind his best friend and true love of 52 years Denise, his beloved daughter Rebecca and cherished grandson Grayson. Albert will also be truly missed by his sisters Rosemary and Arlene (Barry), brother-in-law Bob, sister-in-law Gayle, nephews, nieces and countless family and friends.
Albert was a true family man, a master in the kitchen, a beautiful wood carver and lover of the outdoors. He found joy in spoiling “his girls” with his culinary creations over a glass (or two) of wine, baking homemade bread, teaching Grayson how to grow organic fruits and veggies and simply puttering around.
Albert was born in Montreal, Que. and grew up in the town of Prescott, Ontario where he found a love for fishing and hunting with his pals. He moved to Toronto to go to radio college and met his love, Denise. He had a passion for airplanes and flying and had had many adventures in his own private plane his co-pilot Denise.
Albert spent his career in the electronics business and became an entrepreneur, building his own business from the ground up. He could fix almost anything and was a bit of a mad scientist with his electronic inventions. He and Denise travelled to many destinations including Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Europe, and Amazon. But his favorite place was always Barbados, where he spent innumerable vacations making memories with friends and family.
Albert was a mentor and father figure to many and was proud to offer guidance and advice when asked. He loved fiercely and purely. If he loved you, you knew it and were better because of him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society https://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/
A celebration of Albert’s life will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021, in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens 4665 Falaise Drive at 2:00pm. . For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85037750609?pwd=bWVaandMVVBuN1doNkYwRzN0S01GZz09
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Guy Reive
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Linda Spencer I am so sorry to read of the passing of Bert. I was a former nanny of Deanne back in 1980 and have some wonderful memories of a very close family. I can’t imagine how you feel Denise losing two precious people in what seems such a short time…and to Rebecca, I lost my father when he was 67 and I still miss him every day…time doesn’t heal your grief it just gets ‘different’ so I completely understand how you must be feeling right now especially with Christmas so close, thank goodness you have Grayson and that your mum and you have each other to cling to….
We have just returned from our annual vacation in the wonderful Barbados, it was thanks to your family that I was introduced to the special place. I always light a candle for dear Deanne and now I’ll light two….thinking of you all…
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Audrey Whiteside Just watched the memorial service Denise and Becca. What a wonderful tribute to a fantastic man. Bert touched many people and left behind beautiful memories. I have many happy memories of our times in Manotick. I especially remember the day you came home from Barbados and told me that you had bought a place. I believe we shared a couple of glasses of wine so you could get up the courage to tell Bert.
Love Audrey
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Heather Beck Dear Denise & Family,
Sending our love…. A wonderful tribute to Bert today!
Many memories to hold on to…forever!
Heather & Neville
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Jackie Ray Denise, our hearts go out to you and your family at the loss of Bert. Harry and I remember Bert fondly from out Australian wine club days and our many lovely social occasions with both of you. May he rest in peace and perpetual light shine on him. Take good care Denise. Warm regards Jackie and Harry Ray
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Dave & Monique Craig Dear Denise, Becca & Grayson. Dave and I are sending our deepest condolences. What a very special and wonderful man Bert was. We will cherish the memories we have of him. Much love is being sent your way – Monique & Dave Craig – Manotick, Ontario
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Marjorie Payne Our world has lost a treasure but it is a much better world for having had Bert in it for 76 years! We are all better for the joy he brought to so many of us. His beautiful and delicate carved hummingbird will be my constant reminder of one of his many talents.
Oh Grayson, your heart will be broken but what a most wonderful Grandfather you had… You will hold those treasured memories tucked in your heart forever and he will be there for you.
Denise, Becca, Grayson and all of Bert’s family, my love and fondest thoughts are with you.
Peter joins me in love to all
Marjorie
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Pauline Haalboom Dear Denise and family,
Larry and I send you our condolences. We were very saddened to hear of your loss Bert was a wonderful man. We enjoyed meeting Bert in Barbados. He was always so kind and helpful. He had a wonderful sense of humour
He will be greatly missed. Out thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time
Pauline and Larry
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Kathryn Mackay Down came the tears, Denise, when I saw this posted. The last time I saw Bert was when he so generously handed over a huge spool of wire from his shop, to help me make noseguards for the dozens of masks I was trying to get to family and friends when covid began. My heart was warmed by his quick cooperative spirit and his generosity. Just as you two helped me when our plane “dove”, so must I hope that my wonderful warm thoughts of you both will contribute in some small way to your plane being righted again someday. I’m here and will ask you for a coffee date in the new year or hugs are available ANY time before. Xoxo Kathryn
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Jacquie Mutch Denise, I am sorry to learn of Bert’s passing. The Lilies of the Valley you gave me for our yard will remind me fondly of you both. May the love you shared comfort you at this difficult time. Best wishes, Jacquie
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Anne Cameron Our deepest sympathies to you Denise, Rebecca and Grayson.
We only were in your families great company in Barbados a few years ago. And Albert was so helpful and kind to make sure we knew how to get around and where to go.
We are sorry for your loss.
Anne Cameron and Gary MaDonnell
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Joanne Gagan Joanne Gagan
Dear Denise and Rebecca ,
Don and I wanted to send our sincerest sympathies to you on the loss of your husband and father on Nov.18. It is such a difficult time for all of you and a very sad one. Heartfelt thoughts, Joanne Gagan
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Shelley and Doug Thorsteinson So sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort.
Sincerely,
Shelley and Doug Thorsteinson
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Margaret Griffiths Denise and Rebecca,
It is with heartfelt sorrow that I learn of Bert’s death.
I fully understand the pain and sorrow that you are experiencing at this time.
Only time will heal such feelings, but he will never be forgotten!
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I will have a Mass said in remembrance of Bert’s life.
Take care.
Love, Maggie Griffiths
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Betty Ann deWit Dear Denise and family. Sending my deepest sympathy, Albert was a real gentleman and respected by many. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Betty Ann deWit.
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Carole Keys Dear Denise, Rebecca and Grayson
Terry and I send our most sincere condolences.
We always enjoyed our boating and camping experiences together.
Bert shared some delicious recipes with me which we often enjoy. He certainly was an awesome and adventuresome cook! Our granddaughter still plays with the fairy house he made her several years ago. Farewell to a kind, gentle man who enriched the lives of many.
Love Carole
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Imogen Dear Denise, Rebecca, Grayson and rest of family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Albert several times when
Rebecca and I attended University together. He was a kind and gentle soul with, from what I remember, a quick and funny sense of humour.I send my deepest condolences to you all.
Sincerely,
Imogen Burr
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Polly Spencer Uncle Albert will be missed tremendously. I always looked forward to the few conversations I had with him over the years. A mentor, in so many ways to Geoff. Rest In Peace. Reunite with your loved ones in Heaven. They await your arrival. To Denise, Becca and Grayson I am deeply sorry for your loss. I share your loss. Love always Polly
Dear Denise and Rebecca,
I also have fond memories of Bert and of all of you. I recall him as a positive force who made people’s lives better. He had that “can do” approach to life. He will no doubt be missed greatly by many.
I wish you the strength to remember him everyday, but also move forward with life, because I am sure that is what he would have wanted.
Take care,
Guy