Collett, Wilmer (Wil) James
Aug 5, 1930 – Mar 22, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend who passed away on March 22, 2020.
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and so very dear.
It is with heavy hearts we sadly announce the passing of Wilmer (Wil) James Collett on Sunday, March 22nd at the age of 89 at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Ada Collett and three older brothers – Leonard, Austin, and Howard. Survived by his loving wife, Anne, of 58 years, daughter Michele (Kay) and son David (Kim) and two adoring grandchildren – Libby and Ethan. He will also be missed by an “army” of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Wil graduated from The Ontario Agriculture College in 1953, and obtained an MBA from University of Western Ontario in 1956. He then joined the Foreign Service, ultimately ending his career of 34 years in External Affairs. He capped off his career abroad by joining the United Nations as the Representative for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in various countries. Wherever he went, he left a trail of friendships and honorable achievements in the name of Canada, a country he so proudly represented.
The dividends of his career live on in his children and adoring grandchildren, Libby and Ethan. He left them a booklet of impact memories of his life abroad with Anne, an equal contributor and supporter throughout Wil’s life of excitement and achievement.
Thanks to Dr. Vincent Chan, Dr. Ryan Mahaffey and the nursing staff in the Ottawa Heart Institute for their wonderful care over the past several weeks.
Memorial Celebration, to which friends are invited, will be held at a future date. Arrangements entrusted to Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa.
Digital Guestbook
Natasha Tucker
Eleanor Clark
So very very sorry. Wil was a good friend to me and to Cam. Love, Eleanor
Valerie Blais
Wil was a wonderful, giving human being, with a wicked sense of humour. Anne and he were a terrific pair.
Both Wil , and Anne, as a member of IODE Laurentian Chapter, worked hard at the fund-raisers, especially the Bake Sale...Anne's consummate sale skills always brought in over $1000.
We will all miss Wil so much.
Roger Collett
Growing up we never had much communication with Will & his family, he was always somewhere in the world working. It wasn’t until him & Anne retired and moved to Ottawa that we started to get to know him better as an uncle.
In later years, I used to look forward to & enjoy our breakfast meetings. We could sometime sit in a restaurant for hours, just talking, talking about anything, it never made a difference what it was, that part I always enjoyed and will always remember.
All my heartfelt condolences to you Anne, David, Michele, Libby & Ethan for your loss.
Will was a great man & I will truly miss, but never forget him.
Patricia Filoso
In our short time knowing Mr. Collett, I was so blessed to have him and Mrs. Collett share stories of their lives! I will miss his smiling face as he peeked around my office door. ?
Cheryl Dodwell
Sending love to Anne and the whole family. We are so sorry for your great loss. In friendship, the Dodwells
The DeFranco Family
We are so sorry to hear that Dave's father passed. Our thoughts are with your whole family in this time of grief. Though today's circumstances won't allow a proper memorial, there will come a time when you can gather and honor him as he truly deserves.
Although i didn’t know you for very long I was so lucky to have the pleasure of meeting you great uncle Wil. You were truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. You and your stories were so inspiring. Thank you for always making me feel loved and cared for.
Sending my love to Great Aunt Anne and his family. Lots of love