Willis Lee Seybold

Friends of Willis Seybold will remember her daily walks on Stories beach with her beloved dog Luna, one of 5 golden retrievers, that accompanied Willis over the years in all types of North Island weather. Willis was born in California in September, 1934.

Growing up and living in California meant many rich experiences and unique opportunities for Willis including living in Formosa (Taiwan) during Hals 2 year military service. Further adventures included trekking in Nepal and rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, with her best friend Nancy. Willis also came from a long line of artistically talented people, including her mother and her great uncle.

In the mid-seventies she and her husband Hal moved from Carmel California, to Sidney B.C. with their two children Jan and Paul. After Hal was offered an administrative position with the North Island School District the family relocated to Port Hardy where Willis worked as a Child & Youth Care Worker in the school district’s Alternative Education Program. In her role, she was held in high regard for her humour, insight and guidance of students at NISS & PHSS. Running into students for years after her retirement, her former “kids” never hesitated to show their gratitude and affection for Willis.

Hal & Willis built their dream home on Stories beach and Willis was no stranger to a hammer and other tools, fully participating and probably guiding the process until their beautiful home and garden were complete. The view of Beaver Harbour through the trees sustained Willis for many years and further enhanced her love of the North Island.

Gardening, rock collecting, fishing, boating, kayaking, walking and her family occupied Willis’ time in her 50 plus years on the North Island. The natural world fascinated Willis and she observed, studied and researched her daily finds on the beach. Willis loved to collect heart shaped rocks from beach as much as she liked to show her love to the people in her life.

She was a deeply intelligent woman with many talents including drawing, painting and photography. Her quirky sense of humour (complete with a well placed snort in her laughter) sometimes caught people off guard and the warmth in her eyes and her skill at really listening to and understanding made everyone feel accepted and valued. A member of a book club for 31 years she enjoyed an outlet for her love of reading and was a valued member of discussions over the years. “Wid” as she was known to her family & friends was an honorary member of the “Beach People” who perched on a log together, for regular catch-ups.

Willis was predeceased by her parents, Joy & Willard Swain of Crocket, California, her younger brother Bill Swain of Kalamazoo, Michigan and her husband of 61 years Hal Seybold. Survived by Jan and Paul her much loved son and daughter, both of Vancouver and her Niece Megan Swain of Chicago, Illinois. Willis did all things her own way, and that was no different in the end, where she carried her wit, wisdom and graciousness to the final moments. The family sends gratitude to Dr. Marlene Smith & Stella Bates, good friends, who were there with the family & Willis as she left this world, and to Dr. Arnogam and staff at Pt. McNeill hospital for their care and respect. And a special thank you to the Wassim family for the blessing and the Thunderbird song.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Dyingwithdignity.ca