We Remember

MACPHERSON, Willis Terry
—
Willis MacPherson passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, surrounded by family at the Kelowna General Hospital, Kelowna, BC.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandra Moe; son, Willis Jr. (Pamela); grandchildren Triniti and Mikayla; #2 Bert and children Nathen, Cali, Alaca and Alana; siblings, Gwen (Don), Larry (Mel), Chris (Jim), and Jeff (Cindy); as well as multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will also be missed by the team at Spark’s Fix All in Calgary, his friends Louie, Jack, Liz and Gord and… well, way too many to list. Willis was a cool and friendly guy. He was a charismatic sort that made many acquaintances and neighbours into lifelong friends, each one special to him.
Born to the late Joyce and Willis Senior, Willis carried his carefree, happy temperament throughout his life. As a teenager in Surrey, BC, fate introduced him to Sandra through mutual friends – he was 19, she was 17, and from that moment, their story began. In 1975, they set off together for West Kelowna, where they welcomed their son, Willis Jr., and he proudly took on the title of Willis Sr.
But adventure called again, and finally in 1984, they traded mountain views for prairie skies, making Calgary their home for more than three decades. Then, as planned, Willis retired to West Kelowna and Sandra followed In 2019, closing the circle on a journey filled with love, laughter, and the places they called home. During those years memories were made with family and friends spent camping and fishing. Other memorable vacations included Disneyland and various adventure parks across the US.
For 20 years, Willis worked in the trucking industry – retiring from Traction Heavy Duty in 2017. His love of cars was more than just a dream – it was a lifelong passion. Classic cars and car shows were his joy, especially when he could roll up in his beloved ’57 Chevy, Christine, painted in a bold James Dean red. He loved chasing the roar of engines at NASCAR and NHRA events. His love of speed and spectacle took him across the map, from Daytona to Vegas, Texas to Alabama, always seeking the next great race, the next unforgettable moment. But, it wasn’t all action and adventure. Willis found just as much joy in sitting around a campsite or an afternoon of fishing while enjoying a beer or three with his buddies.
A fun host, Willis entertained his guests with loud music and friendly games of cards while watching whatever sports game was playing. For all of his friendliness, he also was one to let you know when he was done – he would (in his way – that is already missed) tell you to, “Get the hell out!”.
Willis and Sandra enjoyed vacationing in Puerto Vallarta when they had the chance, where Willis, as usual, had made many friends, like Carlos the bartender.
Willis leaves a huge hole in our hearts, which will have to be filled with all the wonderful memories of him each time we think of him.
We invite you to join us for the viewing, starting at 3:30 pm today, April 2, 2025, — an opportunity to bid farewell to Willis, share some refreshments together, and to honour and embrace cherished memories.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Cancer.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Visitation
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 3:30 pm
Springfield Funeral Home
(2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC)
Sandy, JR and family,
So sorry to hear about Little Willis. I’m glad he was able to enjoy some retirement years! Take care of yourselves.
Bonnie and family
My condolences to the MacPherson family. Willis was his own person. He lived life to the fullest.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to your family. He will be and already is greatly missed. He was a great friend and mentor.
Sandra, So sorry for your loss. Todd and I were hoping to get out there to see you both this summer. I am sorry we missed Willis . We are keeping you in our thoughts and hearts through this difficult time.
To Sandy and Family,
I’m so very sorry for your unimaginable loss. Fred and I will remember Willis as a gentle soul with an old hippy charm. He seemed content, charismatic, and he lived his life on his own terms. There was an enviable magnetic calmness about him which made people feel comfortable around him. I know he will be greatly missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved by those closest to him. He was a pleasure to know. You and your family will be in my thoughts in days to come.
Sandy, Jr, Pam, Trin, Mik and family – we are so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Willis. He was a master at making a killer Cesar, he always made me feel so welcome with his “Kimmie” that he’d shout from his chair and I’ll always remember him laughing at Sandy and I running to the boat while being dive bombed by bats when we went house boating. Rest in Peace Willis.