It is with deep sadness the family of Anthony “Carroll” Willems announces his passing at the great age of 91. Carroll passed away February 14th, 2017 at his son Lorne’s family home. A Legion service will be held at 1 pm, Friday, March 3rd at the Legion Hall in Lumby. Jeannette Romeril and Legion President Bill McMullen will officiate the service. Burial is at the Lumby cemetery with the reception to follow at the Legion hall.
Carroll was born, Nov. 14th, 1925 in The Pas, Manitoba. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Lumby. Carroll loved Lumby and thought there was no place better!
Carroll was a proud WW11 Veteran, signing up to serve his country as soon as he and his best friend, Les Wheeler, were of age. He served overseas as both a gunner and wireless operator in the tank core. He was part of the Canadian contingent that liberated Holland.
After the war, Carroll returned to Lumby and entered the forest industry where he was both a logging contractor and sawmill operator. He was one of the leaders in selective logging practices. He loved being at “the mill” and was there most days right up until his passing.
Carroll was a wonderful dancer and until a few years ago could be found most weekends at the Legion or local barn dances, never missing a step. He was known for his healthy appetite and sweet tooth. Carroll loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Carroll is survived by his daughter, Candace Rivers and her husband, Don, of Cranbrook, B.C., his son Lorne and his wife Carolyn of Coldstream, B.C.; nine grandchildren; Gord, Kristen, Larissa, Michelle, Keith, Mike, Christopher, Ashley and Kayden; nine great-grandchildren; twin sisters, Margaret and Marguerite of Lumby, B.C.
He was predeceased by his wife, Lill (nee Dilts), his son Keith (Bellsie), his brother, Arthur (Bud) and both parents, Tony and Ida Willems.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish may send donations in memory of Carroll to Branch 167 (Lumby) of the Royal Canadian Legion.
The family would like to send a special thank you to John Sanesh, Margaret Derry, Cookie Thompson, and Delma Knelsen for their care, concern and friendship to Carroll these past few years.
Arrangements under the direction of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, BC.
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