Ted (Charles Edward) Willard

Ted Willard slipped away from us on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the age of 76. He will be deeply missed by Wendy, his wife of 58 years, and his children Rob, Tina Willard-Stepan (Jim) and Karen. He was predeceased by his sister Sherry in 2005 and by his parents Bill and Shirley in 2013.

Ted was always up for hugs and could make anybody feel better. His grandchildren – Kimberly, Dustin, Zachary, Maya, Brooke, Mace, Alyssa, and Christian – and his great-granddaughter Alexis were the joy of his life.

Ted was open and accepting of everyone and did whatever he could to support their dreams. While many would have hesitated when a child wanted to go into the arts, he provided the means to do it. If a grandchild wanted to learn 'business' from Grandpa, it was taken seriously, and materials and lessons were given. He readily 'adopted' children and grandchildren and treated them as his own. His lessons taught everything from fishing to relationships, fire starting (event though he preferred the poorer tee-pee build) to finance, and he was always generous with his knowledge. He helped teach Dustin and Zachary to drive, and in the process showed them things like where his own grandparents had built their house.

Ted was a kind and generous man, with a great sense of humour, and he loved to tell stories. Whenever he was asked how he was, his standard reply right until the end was “any better and I couldn’t handle it”. He was a wonderful support to his many friends, who spoke of how easy he was to talk to. One of his favourite things to do was sit on the deck of our trailer in Sundre and have a beer with the neighbours. We hope that everyone has hoisted a glass in his memory.

He was a member of the Calgary South West Lions Club (later the Lions Club of Calgary) for more than 50 years, and was an enthusiastic participant in club fund-raising events. Being a Lion was a part of his life because he loved giving to the community and passed this value on to his children.

Ted started his journey into family and adulthood young, and took this responsibility very seriously, adventuring into the world of entrepreneurship again and again. One of his proudest accomplishments was being named the top realtor in Re/Max international one year.

We love you Ted and feel you with us always.

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