Alan Douglas Willing

It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to Doug Willing, a kind and positive soul, who passed away December 22. Doug was born Oct 21, 1928, and raised in Vancouver, where he had an active and happy childhood. He remembered seeing the Lions Gate Bridge being built, and cycling with his friends all over Vancouver and the north shore (and even to Horseshoe Bay!), and many weekend boat trips on his Dad's sleep-aboard boat (the dinghy was Doug's to go off exploring in!)

After starting his career in commerce/banking, a chance encounter led him to pursue teaching. This was the right choice for him: he started at ADSS on Burde St in Port Alberni when it was brand new, teaching Woodworking, Drafting, Special Ed, Business Ed, and ending his career as Work Experience Coordinator. He would run into former students everywhere -- even in Bali and Mexico!

Doug met the first love of his life, Betty, when he was 17, on a blind date he almost didn't go on! Thank goodness he did! He asked her to marry him very quickly (she was only 15!), but they waited till both had finished university. Having a girlfriend in Vancouver was the reason he chose Port Alberni -- it was a lot easier to go see her on the weekends from there, rather than from Dawson Creek or Prince George!

Doug and Betty went on to have three children: Murray, Alison, and Cathy. Doug was very handy, and built a family home on Exton St. Doug continued to love boating and fishing in his adult life, and he and Betty bought property at Sproat Lake, where much summer fun was had over the years. Eventually, they decided to build a house there and live at the lake full-time. They wished they had done it sooner.

In retirement, Doug and Betty enjoyed some travel opportunities before Betty fell ill and eventually passed.

Doug met the love of his later life, Joyce, at Bayward Dessert Company, a restaurant she ran with two of her kids. Doug loved her sparkle, and again very quickly asked her to marry him. After eloping, they moved to Parksville. They have had a long, happy retirement chapter filled with travel, friendship and socializing. For Doug, the sun rises and sets on Joyce.

Around Christmas 2017, Doug had a stroke. We thought we might lose him then. He was not able to return home, and instead moved into Stanford Place in Parksville. While Doug would have preferred to be home with Joyce, he enjoyed his time there, always interested in any activities going on, wherever on the premises they were taking place. He also became a staff favourite due to his helpfulness with new residents and positive attitude. We had almost 8 years of bonus time with him, and are very grateful for the care he received during his time there, and in his final days. Our hearts are full.

Doug was predeceased by his parents, Muriel Bell Willing and John Victor Willing, and by his first wife, Betty Willing. Survived by his wife, Joyce McKennitt-Willing and her family, Doug’s son Murray Willing, and daughters Alison Willing (husband Bernie Skerkowski and sons Jordie and Matt) and Cathy MacFadden (husband David MacFadden and kids Justin and Bethany). Also remembering him fondly: the extended Black family (Betty's family).

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Doug's memory to a charity dear to your heart. A family graveside service will take place.

Doug has told me many times in recent years that he has had a good life. May we all be so lucky.