Sept. 18, 1939 — Aug. 25, 2024
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Gary Francis Willard was born to Francis Julian “Bill” and Stella Willard in 1939. He grew up with two brothers; Rodney and Dave Willard. Gary married his wife Anna Marie Haeg in 1960, and welcomed their first of five children in 1961. He went to the University of Idaho, graduating with a Civil Engineering Degree in 1962, and started work shortly after with the Army Corps of Engineers at the John Day Dam. In 1966, they moved to Lewiston where Gary worked in several engineering roles at Dworshak Dam’s construction from start to finish. He then served as Assistant Resident, Resident and Chief on Little Goose Dam and on various projects along the Lower Snake River while still living in Lewiston. They moved to Walla Walla in 1989 where he became the Chief of Construction for the Walla Walla District until he retired in 1997, after 35 years of service.
Gary was a strong, intelligent, caring and loving person, father and grandfather; always there for words of wisdom, a loving embrace, or whatever you may need. He was an avid hunter; going out with his boys and his grandkids every season. He also enjoyed working on the farm with one of his best friends, who just happened to be his wife’s brother, Clarence.
Gary is survived by his wife of 64 years, Anna Marie, his children Chris, Brian, Katherine, Mark and Theresa, his 16 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his brother Rodney and his wife Marianne, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and their children. His legacy will continue to live on through our memories. He was a rock for the Willard and Haeg families and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, and the funeral at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, DeSmet, Idaho, with a reception to follow at the Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley, Idaho.
Memorial gifts may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Plummer, Idaho, or to Hospice of North Idaho.
Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at kramercares.com.
