Robert Blair Willis, age 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 23 surrounded by his loving family...we are heartbroken. Bob was a charismatic man with a great sense of humor, who could befriend anyone -- always a "glass is half full" type of guy. He grew up in Brockton, MA, playing football for Brockton High before moving to Aurora, CO and switching to track due to an injury -- he loved to run. He then attended the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Wyoming. Bob served honorably in the US Army, stationed in Mannheim, Germany from '63-'65 where he served his country as a draftsman -- he absolutely loved living in Germany. In 1967, he met the love of his life, Janet, and they married and had three children, living in Hanover and then Glen Ellyn, IL for a number of years before returning to Hanover. Bob worked for Shaw Walker Co. as a Senior Account Manager for many years, filling businesses throughout Boston & Chicago with high-end office furniture. He attained the "Top Sales Representative in the US" three years in a row, winning trips that he would always bring his family on. Later on in life, he was a top Furniture Sales Associate at Macy's, where he retired from. Family was everything to Bob, he cherished the family trips he went on including a cruise to Bermuda with his grandsons, and a dream vacation to Hawaii with Janet. He thoroughly enjoyed being a grandfather, attending his three grandchildren's games and events whenever possible. Another favorite pastime was watching his beloved Patriots, Celtics & Red Sox play, perhaps with a nice scotch. He loved long walks by the ocean & long talks with his dear sister in Cheyenne. Bob recently celebrated 50 years as a Master Mason, which meant a great deal to him.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Janet Willis, his sister Carol Lane, her husband Mike & children Laura MacDougall and Bill Lemaster; many cherished cousins; his sister-in-law Ruth Murphy, her daughter Cynthia Murphy & husband Christopher Rose; daughter Stacey Willis Dand & her husband Jim; son Jason Willis and son Kevin Willis & his wife Erin, along with his beloved grandchildren, Connor Willis, Ella Dand & Jacob Willis. He is predeceased by his parents Grace & Alfred Willis, his brother Stephen Willis and niece Andrea Cunningham.
A burial ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 1 at 12:00 pm at Fairview Cemetery in Scituate, all are welcome. A Celebration of Life will take place in June.
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