Robert “Bob” Edward Wills

WILLS: Robert “Bob” Edward Wills passed away at the Lloydminster Hospital on June 20th, 2023 at the age of 88 years. Bob was greatly loved and will be missed by his wife of 44 years, Evelyn Wills; Sons Clay Wills (Pat) of Lloydminster AB and grandchildren Alisha, Tanner, and Dustin; Ed Wills (Susan) of Coronation AB and grandchildren Anita, Nicole, and Tracy; Clark Wills (Karen) of Peers, Alberta and grandchildren Kyle and Amanda; and 15 great-grandchildren. Stepchildren: Lee Franklin (Della) of Lloydminster SK and grandchildren Brant and Vanessa; Sherry Waldorf (Rick) of Lloydminster AB and grandchildren Phil and Matt; Randy Franklin (Phyllis) of Cold Lake AB and grandson Adam; and 3 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Lou Wright (Howie) of Red Deer AB; sister-in law Nancy Wills; brothers-in-law Ken Prevost, Curtis Grundler and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his father Edward, his mother Marguerite, brothers Norman and Frank, sister June Arendt and her husband Bud, sisters Grace Prevost, and Ruth Grundler, nephew Wade Wills, and niece Lori Leibel. Robert Edward Wills (Bob or to us Grandpa Bob) was born in Eastend, SK on August 2, 1934 to Marguerite and Ed Wills – the eldest of seven siblings. He took his schooling in Eastend except for one year, when the family lived in Turner Valley. Grandpa quit in grade twelve, to go do seismic and then work the rigs – he felt an obligation to help support his parents and would send home a part of his paycheck each month. In June of 1957, Grandpa Bob married Jacklene Bascom and from this union there were three sons born: Clay, Ed and Clark. Grandpa had bought a ranch in the Cypress Hills, which was called the Bench and he and Grandma Jackie worked hard to make a living there. Grandpa was an equal partner with his dad in Ed Wills Trucking company so between ranching and trucking, he was constantly on the go. The winters up on the Bench and in the draws towards Eastend could turn brutal with unpredictable snowstorms, and since Clay and Ed were attending school in Eastend, there were times that a team of horses and sleigh were used to get the boys to the nearest neighbor who could get them into town and the two boys would spend months with their grandparents. Because of this, it was decided that it was time to sell out and in 1967, Grandpa Bob moved his family to Swift Current, where he would start his career in the cattle business. Grandpa Bob started out as a Branding Inspector for the Sask Pool yards and then began a lifetime career buying cattle while working for such companies as Beswick and Lang, Sask Pool in Lloydminster, Partner with Bruce Wilcox, Provost Livestock Exchange, Keith Weaver of Weaver Ranching, Schetzsle Marketing Inc, and lastly Dryland Cattle Trading Corp in Veteran. His career would end in Veteran at the ripe age of 80. During his time in Lloydminster, Grandpa Bob would meet Evelyn Franklin and they would be married on March 3, 1979. This meant that Grandpa’s family would expand to include Evelyn’s children, Lee, Sherry and Randy. Grandpa Bob and Grandma Ev moved to Provost that same year and Grandpa would work under his own business Bob Wills Livestock for several years – doing most of his cattle buying in the Altario – Compeer area. The Cattlemen’s group in Compeer set up the corrals and Grandpa donated the scale so as to make up a stock yards to help with the sorting and penning of cattle, sometimes up to 600 head in a day. Compeer Hotel became his business office, with Grandma Ev doing books in a quiet corner while drinks and handshakes would be passed around after a long day in the yards. Pretty sure Compeer Hotel was sad to see Grandpa change his career path. Grandpa Bob was not only a great cattle man, he was also a great horseman – training horses for endurance racing, running thoroughbred chariot races and then progressing to Chuckwagon racing, joining the Northern Professional Chuckwagon Association in 1980. Grandpa and Grandma would travel across Alberta and into Saskatchewan with the NPCA and for seven years, he would attend Calgary Stampede and Cheyenne Wyoming for four years. In 1987, Grandpa and Grandma retired from wagon racing, which would give them the opportunity to travel to family gatherings, grandkids events, travelling to the States and camping to their favorite spot, Cypress Hills Resort. Grandpa would be so excited to get down to Cypress that as soon as the park opened, he would be sitting down there to get in, which also meant that for several years, he would have to dig out from under a dump of snow. Grandpa had a great sense of humor and would have some of the best wittiest come backs, but best of all was his ability to tell his life stories. Never boring, no bragging or complaining, just would tell it like it was! Grandpa Bob was known for his honesty and integrity when dealing with cattle producers and it was implied when several of Grandpa’s long time customers, reached out to say that the cattle industry had lost “one of the best”, with one particular customer explaining that he loved his cattle, and when Grandpa was coming to bid on them, he knew he was dealing with someone that really cared as well. Grandpa also made a point to take time for visits with his customers, creating lifelong friendships. Grandpa sent many loads to Ontario, and was known for putting together top-notch cattle, which was the expectation of the Ontario Buyers and he did not disappoint them. Ross McCall in Ontario paid tribute to Grandpa Bob, calling him one of the buyers with whom they had a great working relationship. A south American, while visiting the Veteran Auction, turned to his host family member and said that Bob looks like John Wayne – and Grandpa sometimes would remind all of us of that personality. He didn’t look for trouble, but he didn’t back down also. Like the time, a group of cattle buyers were sitting in the Greenhead having a drink, when a fellow sitting with them, proceeded to call them all a bunch of thieves. Grandpa calmly set his drink on the table, and without missing a beat, he threw a punch across the table, knocking this fellow ass over tea kettle and then picked up his drink and proceeded to enjoy his evening. Grandpa expected respect and in turn, he would give it back and you better know how to be respectful of a woman – addressing many of his customer’s wives as ma’am. His or your word or a handshake was what he considered a contract and if you were to back out of a deal, Grandpa could find his sharp tongue! But out of this tough exterior, there was also a gentle side. He was generous with his grandkids, visiting with them and giving them treats. He always had jellybeans to share! Showing his appreciation, when warranted. And telling Grandma, as he lay in the hospital – you know I love you. His influences can be seen in his three sons, and grandchildren, whether it be the oil patch, gardening, trucking or a love of cattle and horses. His work ethics can be seen in his boys and their children and all of us have a great sense of humor and love a good story! In 2016, Grandpa and Grandma moved to Lloydminster at which time his memory loss was worsening. Grandpa was very blessed to have Grandma Ev who worked tirelessly and with loving compassion looking after his needs until his passing on June 20th. Grandpa Bob was truly loved and respected and we will miss him dearly. The family would like to thank Dr. Akerman, the staff at the Jubilee Home, the caring doctors and nurses at the Lloydminster Hospital, and all those who were so kind and compassionate during Bob’s last days. Thank you also to Brett and the staff at McCaw’s Funeral Home who made this difficult time much easier, Pastor Ryan Sturge for the message, Collen Hozack for the lunch, and all the family who all pitched in with their various skills and talents to create memories and a Celebration of Life that Bob would have truly enjoyed. We want to say a special thank you to everyone who attended the service, and sent food, flowers, cards, and texts. Your kindness and support is very much appreciat
ed.