Obituary of Willard Smith

SMITH, Willard Vandine – Wil has died at the age of 85 years on Saturday April 11, 2020. On April 6, 1971, Wil accepted a telephoned job offer at Michipicoten High School. Then he and his wife Gail read a headline in the Globe and Mail “Six inches of snow in Wawa”. They came anyway and began a happy life of 24 years teaching in Wawa and a further 25 years retired. Wil taught geography, history and became Guidance Department head. He has served as a volunteer on a variety of committees. Also he pursued astronomy, gardening, playing music, becoming a pilot, a round of golf and recreational hockey. On retirement he decided to do some writing and produced “Silver Creek: The Centre of the World”, a story of the traditional farming life of his boyhood. He valued the hard work, generosity and co-operation which were prized and considered essential. In 2009 a major stroke slowed Wil down somewhat, but he worked through rehab amazingly well. He always enjoyed being greeted by past students. Wil never stopped playing back-up guitar with his good friend Louis and the other Good-timers. Gail continues life with two excellent cats, missing Wil. At this time there will be no funeral services. Cremation has taken place at River’s Edge Cremation Centre, Sault Ste. Marie. (Arrangements entrusted to the Kerry Funeral Home, 705-856-7340). www.kerryfuneralhome.ca