Jeffrey Bryan Willard

Jeff was born in Atlanta, Ga., to Bill and Darlene Willard. Just after his first year of life, Jeff’s family moved to Roanoke, Va., for five years and then to Portland, Ore., where Jeff was raised and spent most of his life.

Growing up, Jeff thought he could fix anything that needed attention and he usually could. He excelled at sports and executing practical jokes. Jeff enjoyed playing soccer, lacrosse, and he was on the ski racing team while he was a student at Oregon Episcopal High School. Jeff graduated from OES in 1992.

Following high school, Jeff attended the University of San Francisco where he graduated in 1996 with a degree in business. While in college, Jeff met his former wife, Danielle. They spent 20+ years together while raising their two boys, Brayden and Gavin. Jeff was extremely proud of his boys. He enjoyed watching their sporting events, taking them on outdoor adventures and traveling with them.

While in college, Jeff enrolled in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and attended military school at Ft. Benning, Ga. Jeff served four years as an infantry officer stationed at Camp Casey in South Korea and Fort Polk, La. Following his time in the military, Jeff transitioned to the information technology field where he rapidly progressed because of his creative problem solving skills and visionary leadership style.

Jeff is survived by his sons, Brayden and Gavin Willard; his former wife, Danielle Willard; his mother, Darlene Willard; sisters, Mary Thompson and Monica Mercer; brother-in-law, Jason Thompson; and a number of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur "Bill" Willard.

There will be a Celebration of Jeff’s Life at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 11, 2023, at West Valley Community Church, 1320 N.E. Cherry Lane, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeff's memory may be made to:

The Dougy Center -https://dougy.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonatetoTheDougyCenter/tabid/126598/Default.aspx

The Portland VA Mental Health Clinic - https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50811370/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Willard family.