Obituary of Allister Frederick Willie

Allister (Al) Willie passed away on August 13, surrounded by family, after a long life of laughter and story-telling.

Al was born on and March 20, 1944 in Teeswater, Ontario; the fifth of eight children.

Known as the “Dirty White Russian” back in his hockey days, Al loved water skiing, playing cards, and teasing anyone in range. He could often be found tinkering with things in his daughter’s house, or at the trailer, convincing his son to buy old tractors. A natural salesman, Al traveled all throughout the Maritimes and made many journeys back and forth between Ontario and New Brunswick, making friends along every stop.

A big dreamer with the rare drive to realize those dreams – from buying a grocery store to owning a sailboat – nothing seemed out of reach with a little hard work and some duct tape. He was also sure lavender could cure anything.   

After moving back to New Brunswick in 1996, Al rekindled a friendship with Kathy that soon blossomed into love. They married in August 2001 at Sacred Heart in Norton, and spent many long days in Southfield and at Washademoak Lake blending two families into one.

A man of service to not only his family, Al was part of his local army militia as a youth, a past President of the Lion’s Club, and a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Royal Canadian Legion.

“Uncle Al” was the family historian, always quick with a story (true or otherwise), and most happy when he was bewildering waitresses with his spitfire wit.

Al was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Clara (Doerr) Willie, and his siblings Marcella, Dave, Clayton, Isabelle, Wilfred, and Randy.

He is survived by his loving wife Kathy, his son Aaron Willie, daughters Bridget (Jim) Ryan and Kendra (Josh) Finnan, stepsons Paul (Teresa) Steeves and Joe (Pam) Steeves, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren – Courtney (Chris), Sloane (Ali), Kaley, Broghan (Jill), Brittany (Nathaniel), Annabella, Braylon, Wesley, Brennan, Trenten, Owen, Sienna, Dawson, William, and Tessa. He is also survived by his sister Eldora, loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and of course a host of long-time friends.

A visitation will take place Friday, August 16th, from 4 to 7 p.m. from Wallace Funeral Home (34 Sunnyside Dr.) in Sussex - (506) 433-1176.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 17th at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (114 Church Ave.) in Sussex with a reception to follow.

If you are considering making a memorial donation, the family has recommended Parkinson Canada or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com