Willard Head

Passed peacefully away at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre, Gander on Friday, August 5th, 2022, Willard Head, age 84.

Willard Mac Head was born in Norris Arm North, on November 24, 1937.

He was the second of five boys, Ross, Clayton, Howard, Gordon, born to Roland and Floella Head.

Willard married the love of his life, Betty, in 1960, and celebrated their 61st Anniversary back in December.

Willard leaves to mourn, his wife Betty, his sons; Keith, (Sandra) and Craig (Lori-Lynn), grandsons; Chad, Taylor, and granddaughter, Moriah, brothers Ross and Gord and many, many friends.

Willard and Betty have lived in Gander for more than 60 years, 55 of those on Earhart St.

Willard lived his life to the fullest. He worked hard, and he played hard.
For 37 years he was an employee of the federal government, with Canada Post and Canada Customs, retiring more than 28 years ago!

Along with his full time employment, Dad had SEVERAL side hustles over the years such as business owner of a local gas station and muffler shop, and taxi operator. He became a real estate agent, and an insurance agent.

He was also known to have “jockeyed” the odd car or truck from time to time, dating back more than 50 years ago starting with Jim Penney Ltd. Many years he would drive more than 100,000 km annually, for several local Dealerships, as well as for local residents, across Canada and the USA.

Willard was a “jack of all trades, and a Master of some.” Carpentry, woodworking, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing were some of those trades, using them for himself & others.

Having lived in Gander for about 65 years, he was here before there was a fire department. As a result, he was a member of the committee that founded the Gander Fire Department. He was so proud of his Fire Department Badge. His badge number was #1!

Dad was also a very accomplished Swimmer, and became a Certified Scuba Diver in the 1970’s, and occasionally was called out to help the police with underwater searches.

Dad also volunteered at his home Church, Evangel Church where we as a family attended every week, whether we wanted to or not, LOL.

Church life was a HUGE part of the Head family life.

In all of his Volunteer responsibilities, Willard served with humility and never sought recognition for his efforts.

Dad loved to travel the world. Some of his favorites were two trips to Africa, with Evangel Church.

He also loved a trip to Australia with Craig and Taylor, getting the opportunity to swim with the fish in the Great Coral Reef.
He was a young man of 78 at the time!

Willard loved his wife and kids and grandchildren deeply, and did many recreational activities with them over the years including moose hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, boating and one of our favorites, waterskiing. Dad was a greater water skier, even on one ski!

One of Willard’s great characteristics was his enjoyment of life itself. He loved to laugh and prank others whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Dad LOVED TO LAUGH ….right up to his last days!

As a family, along with friends, it is our desire to celebrate his life that was well lived.

Family will be accepting friends at Stacey’s Funeral Home, Gander on Sunday, August 6th from 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. – 9:00P.M.

Join us at Evangel Church Gander, on Monday, August 8th at 2:00 P.M., bring your smiles and your laughter! Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Willard’s memory may be made to the Benson House of Compassion, Evangel Pentecostal Church, 130 Magee Rd. Gander, NL. A1V 2R3.

Arrangements entrusted through Stacey’s Funeral Home, Gander – Carmanville.