It is with full and heavy hearts that we announce Willard’s peaceful death at Nipissing Serenity Hospice, North Bay, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in his 97th year. Willard was the beloved husband of Marie (Grabowski) for almost 73 years. He was the much-loved father of Janice Buckolz (Bob) of North Bay, Jeff Hummel (Patty) of Alliston, Jennifer Hummel (Joe Hofer) of Red Deer, AB, Joellen Hummel of Trout Creek, and Jodi Croucher (Vic) of Petawawa. He was the cherished Grandpa & Great-grandpa of Lindsay Turncliffe (Isla-Rae & Liv); Alyea Hummel (Rob Crumbie) (Hudson, Emmett & Parker Crumbie); Reece Hummel (Alysha Azzopardi); Kelly Hummel (Chris Novachis); Chelsea Rose (Quinn), (Callahan, Clyde & Cora-Jean Rose); Robin Wanner (Brian Zapp) (Wyatt & Weston Zapp); Holli Lair (Luc); and Victoria Croucher (Charlotte and Tenleigh).
Willard is survived by his sister Margaret Van Mierlo (late Bernard) of Trout Creek and was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth (Weiler) and Phillip Hummel; his sisters Rose Grasser (late Bill Grasser), Eleanor Duncan (late Joe Oshell & late Harry Duncan), Gloria Stephens (late Bernard), Florence Hewitt (late Bill), Bernice Brunne (late Harry), and brothers Cletus (late Joan), Greg (late Grace), Cloyd, Clarence, Jerome, and Lawrence Hummel.
Willard worked at the Lands and Forests (now Ministry of Natural Resources) for 13 years, then moved to the Ontario Provincial Police where he was a caretaker until his retirement at 65. After retirement, he helped at Northern Meat Packers until he was 80. Since then, Willard and Marie have enjoyed retirement, traveling, and visiting their eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Willard’s family would like to thank his homecare PSWs, the staff of CCU at North Bay Regional Health Center, and the staff of Nipissing Serenity Hospice. Also, Tony Hummel for all your visits, Betty-Jo and Guy Gibson, Sheena and Steve Hauser, and Pat and Brian Nodwell for being there when we needed you.
The Hummel family will receive visitors at Sacred Heart Church, Trout Creek, on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, beginning with a Trout Creek Lions Tribute Service at 4:00 pm.
The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 4, at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church, followed by a luncheon, then a graveside service at 3:00 pm at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Should you wish, memorial donations to Nipissing Serenity Hospice or the Sacred Heart Church Building Fund would be appreciated.
To leave a tribute or memory for the family, please visit paulfuneralhome.ca or call Paul Funeral Home, Powassan at 705-724-2024.