In memory of
Richard Wallace Willetts
October 12, 1931 - August 23, 2025
Passed away peacefully on August 23rd, 2025, at home, with loving family by his side.
Richard was the devoted husband of Mabel Willetts for over 65 incredible years. He says they were best friends. Together, they built a life full of warmth, resilience, and generosity. He was the proud father of the late Rick Jr. (late Deborah), Debra (late George), Alfred, Mary-Anne (Evert), Maureen (Terry), and Robert (Carmen), Ritchie (Melissa) and the late Angela, and the honorary dad to “daughter” Kim (Michael), who held a special place in his heart. His legacy lives on through his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of his humour, kindness, and stubborn charm.
Richard and Mabel opened their hearts and home to fifty foster children over the years, proof that love multiplies when shared.
A master of dad jokes and a lifelong hockey enthusiast, number #1 ALL-TIME devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan, Richard could light up a room with his quick wit and warm smile. Whether he was cheering on his favorite team or cracking a pun that made everyone groan and giggle, he reminded us that joy is found in the little things. He loved music and made sure it was included in his daily life. He would often say with a little laugh, “So funny we live in this house together, we all love music so much, but none of us can play an instrument!”
One of the things many of us admired most about Richard (Dad) was his incredible patience and his broad, humbly quiet intellect. He was deeply smart, not in a way that demanded attention, but in a way that revealed itself naturally. In conversation, you’d pick up on it almost immediately. His insights were thoughtful, his words measured, and his presence always calm. He had a way of making you feel heard, and somehow, wiser just for having spoken with him.
He worked tirelessly as an electrician at General Motors for 35 years, clocking in every overtime shift he could, not for the glory, but to treat his growing family to unforgettable vacations. Whether it was the salty breeze of the East Coast or the sun-soaked beaches of the tropics, Richard believed in making memories, not just making ends meet.
Above all, Richard (Dad) (Papa Rick) will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family. He was their rock, their comic relief, their biggest fan. His pride in them was boundless, and his love unconditional. He often said, “You know, of all the families, we have the best.”
He loved riding around the neighbourhood on his scooter, chatting up the neighbours, visiting his community’s lawn libraries to exchange books as he was an avid reader, and often coming back home with newfound treasures.
He may have hung up his tool belt, but the light he sparked in all of us will never dim.
“Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives, and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.” – John Wayne
Richard was the devoted husband of Mabel Willetts for over 65 incredible years. He says they were best friends. Together, they built a life full of warmth, resilience, and generosity. He was the proud father of the late Rick Jr. (late Deborah), Debra (late George), Alfred, Mary-Anne (Evert), Maureen (Terry), and Robert (Carmen), Ritchie (Melissa) and the late Angela, and the honorary dad to “daughter” Kim (Michael), who held a special place in his heart. His legacy lives on through his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of his humour, kindness, and stubborn charm.
Richard and Mabel opened their hearts and home to fifty foster children over the years, proof that love multiplies when shared.
A master of dad jokes and a lifelong hockey enthusiast, number #1 ALL-TIME devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan, Richard could light up a room with his quick wit and warm smile. Whether he was cheering on his favorite team or cracking a pun that made everyone groan and giggle, he reminded us that joy is found in the little things. He loved music and made sure it was included in his daily life. He would often say with a little laugh, “So funny we live in this house together, we all love music so much, but none of us can play an instrument!”
One of the things many of us admired most about Richard (Dad) was his incredible patience and his broad, humbly quiet intellect. He was deeply smart, not in a way that demanded attention, but in a way that revealed itself naturally. In conversation, you’d pick up on it almost immediately. His insights were thoughtful, his words measured, and his presence always calm. He had a way of making you feel heard, and somehow, wiser just for having spoken with him.
He worked tirelessly as an electrician at General Motors for 35 years, clocking in every overtime shift he could, not for the glory, but to treat his growing family to unforgettable vacations. Whether it was the salty breeze of the East Coast or the sun-soaked beaches of the tropics, Richard believed in making memories, not just making ends meet.
Above all, Richard (Dad) (Papa Rick) will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family. He was their rock, their comic relief, their biggest fan. His pride in them was boundless, and his love unconditional. He often said, “You know, of all the families, we have the best.”
He loved riding around the neighbourhood on his scooter, chatting up the neighbours, visiting his community’s lawn libraries to exchange books as he was an avid reader, and often coming back home with newfound treasures.
He may have hung up his tool belt, but the light he sparked in all of us will never dim.
“Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives, and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.” – John Wayne