Passings

Errick (Skip) Willis


ERRICK (SKIP) WILLIS It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Errick Skip' Willis on January 4, 2011. Predeceased by his father and mother, Errick and Louise Willis and brother Richard T. Dick' Willis; beloved husband of Kelly, brother of Anna Jane (Jim) Gilchrist, father of Scott, uncle of Stacy, Libby (Colin), and Kate (Jamie), Skip died peacefully from complications related to surgery to remove a tumour from his spine. An alumnus of Trinity College School and the University of Manitoba, Skip began his career in political consulting and lobbying before his internal compass settled on its own true north: environmental sustainability and climate change, which became the focus of his work and his guiding light over the past 15 years. Having developed the Canadian portfolios of several leading multi-national consultancies, Skip founded the Willis Climate Group in 2009. His focus was to help major industry and all levels of government realize solutions to the challenge of global climate change. This allowed him to choose those projects that most piqued his interest and to enjoy more time with his family, particularly at their country home south of Creemore, Ontario. In addition to the privilege of working alongside a cast of dedicated and creative professionals, Skip was honoured to have recently been named a Fellow of the International Emissions Trading Association. For the longest time, Skip's cancer was asymptomatic and he lived with it quietly. The family would like to express its appreciation to Drs. Hogg and Sahgal at Princess Margaret Hospital and to the staff and volunteers at the Toronto Western Hospital. Friends may call at the Turner Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto, east of Jane subway, for a memorial visitation on Thursday, January 6, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Service of Remembrance will be held at Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Etobicoke, on Friday, January 7 at 1:00 p.m. If desired, donations in his memory may be made to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, L'Arche Toronto or Islington United Church. (Published on Jan. 06, 2011, Winnipeg Free Press)

Camp Stephens canoe trip 1966, Winnipeg Free Press

David Spencer Guest

DAVID SPENCER GUEST June 29, 1923 - January 4, 2011 It is with a profound sense of loss that his family announces the passing of David Guest. He leaves to mourn his passing his five children and their spouses: Barbara Roche, Andrea (Andy) Alkier, Carol (Randy) Dueck, Bruce (Laurie) and Doug (Allison), as well as 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; his sisters Margaret Wilson and Liz (Keith) Ebbern, and sister-in-law Evelyn (Don) Lamond. David was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Helen, in April 2010. David was born at the family home on Arlington Street, the fourth of five children. A dog lover, Dave always had a dog at his heels. During his younger years, the YMCA was his second home and summers were spent at Camp Stephens where he eventually became a camp counsellor as a teenager. It was through his competitive swimming at the Y that he met his wife, Helen. As a young man he continued his involvement at the Y with weight lifting, volleyball and active participation in the Y's Men's Club. He joined the Air Force and graduated as a pilot with the rank of Flying Officer I. The war ended just as he was posted to the Asian theatre. After the war, he joined his father in The Guest Shoe Company. He went on to own and operate five stores throughout Winnipeg until his retirement. As a boy David spent time at the family cottage at Victoria Beach. Later he and Helen built their own cottage at Victoria Beach where they enjoyed many happy summers with family and friends. David was an avid curler and belonged to the Granite Curling Club for over 60 years. After he retired from active curling he became an honorary member and enjoyed his involvement with the Senators. His children will be forever grateful for his quiet guidance, his humour, his positive example of community service, and his high expectations for each and every one of them. A private family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, please remember David by supporting a charity of your choice.

(Published Winnipeg Free Press Jan. 8, 2011)