Ronald George Willis, age 84, passed on June 1, 2023 in the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit. Born in Halifax, Ron was raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia and lived in Porter’s Lake and Cole Harbour until falling ill two years ago. The son of the late Captain John H. Willis and Ann Willis of Sydney, Ron was predeceased by his brothers John and Bruce. He is survived by his brother, James (Trishe) Willis of Sydney; sisters-in-law, Mary-Ann, Edmonton, AB, and Anne, New Glasgow; and many nieces and nephews, and special cousin, Theresa Morrison of Sudbury, ON.

Ron had been a seafarer having served on his father’s ship the SS Arthur Cross carrying iron ore from Wabana, NL to the DOSCO steel plant in Sydney from 1956 to 1964. Then he joined the Canadian Coast Guard and served as quartermaster for 31 years, retiring in 1996. He sailed in the CCGS Labrador, the "old" CCGS Edward Cornwallis, and was part of the original crews of the CCGS Louis St-Laurent and CCGS Edward Cornwallis (now CCGS Kopit Hopson 1752). Ron greatly enjoyed get-togethers with former shipmates during his retirement years.

Ron then served for 10 years with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, serving mostly at the gates of CFB Stadacona.

Ron’s family wishes to extend thanks to the staff at Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow, for their great care for Ron over the past two years.

Interment will take place at a future date next to his parents at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks, NS. Ron had a special affinity for animals so donations may be made in Ron’s memory to your local SPCA or the Palliative Care Unit c/o Aberdeen Health Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.