Loyal A. Willis September 23, 1918 ~ July 23, 2011
Loyal was born in Mason Valley, Nevada, where his parents, George and Elizabeth Willis, had a homestead. He was the oldest of three children and was introduced to hard work at an early age. He spoke of he and his father hand digging a quarter mile trench below frost line to install a water line to their home. There were many other such projects at the homestead. He grew up working the farm and raising cattle.
Loyal was always an excellent student, and graduated from high school when he was 15. His mother made him wait until he was 17 to start college. During the two year wait, he attended every county extension class he could. During his senior year in college, both of his parents passed away, and he took over as parent to his younger brother and sister, Noel and Frances, and helped with their college expenses.
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, he moved to Pioche, Nevada, where he worked as a county extension agent. There he met Barbara Ibach who became his wife of 62 years.
Shortly after their marriage, Loyal enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He became a B-17 bomber pilot and was in the 8th Army Air Force, 447th Bomb Group. He was in the Air Offensive for Europe and Normandy. He was based in England and flew 32 missions into German territory and helped clear the way for the ground invasion of Normandy. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He was one of four of his crew remaining, and they still kept in touch.
After returning from the war, Loyal, Barb, and their baby son, Larry, moved to Paradise Valley, Nevada, where they were cattle ranchers. He bought a Caterpillar D-4 to work his land, and began hiring his services out to other ranchers. This evolved into Willis Brothers Construction Company that Loyal and Noel ran for 25 years.
As the business grew a move was made to Winnemucca, Nevada. Many of the roads and dams in northern Nevada were built by Willis Brothers. The were known for their integrity, timeliness, and quality of work. They retired in the early 1970's. Although Loyal didn't really retire!
He and Barb bought a beautiful old ranch in Idaho City, Idaho, and created the Duquette Pines subdivision. He built all the roads, dug the water lines, and, in the beginning, plowed all the snow. He got a real estate brokers license and sold lots. Most of the people who bought property became life-long friends of Loyal and Barb. They didn't just develop a subdivision, they built a community of friends. He and Barb designed and built the home they'd always wanted on top of the hill, surrounded by beautiful views and wonderful friends. The 40 years spent at Duquette Pines were the most enjoyable of their life. Loyal liked adventure.
He loved flying his turbo charged Cessna 180 into the Idaho back country. He had many enjoyable times fishing, hunting, and managing the Flying Resort Ranches on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. In their sixties, he and Barb flew to South America, over the Andes and into Cochabamba, Bolivia to deliver a single engine airplane to Larry when he was living and selling airplanes there.
He and his son-in-law, Bill, took annual trips to Alaska for salmon fishing through Loyal's 91st year. He went to the Grand Canyon with his daughter, Ann, when he was 89, and thought it was "awesome". At age 90 he flew from Boise to Atlanta to visit his grandson, John, and his family. He was determined to keep enjoying life as long as he could.
Loyal's best times were with his family and friends. He loved all of us so much and got extreme joy from time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When we think of Loyal, words come to mind like courage, honesty, determination, perseverance, and kind heartedness. We will remember him for his incredible strength of character. We hope to better our own lives by emulating his values. We are grateful for all the time we've spent with him. The woodbox is empty and the fireplace is cold, but Loyal will always warm our hearts.
Loyal is survived by his daughter, Ann Gaechter, and son-in-law, Bill Gaechter; granddaughters, Darcy and Lacey Gaechter; grandsons, John and Jim Willis; granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Willis; great-grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher and Tiernan Willis; and nieces and nephews Candice Rice, Michelle Grow, Teresa Lynne Willis, and Maxl Willis and Tom Ross.
Loyal was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; son, Larry; his mother and father, Elizabeth and George Willis; and sister, Frances Ross and Noel Willis; and many good friends.
A celebration of life service will be held for Loyal Sunday, July 31 at the Idaho City High School at 1:00 p.m. There will be a gathering at the school after the service with dessert and beverages.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Loyal Willis Scholarship Fund. Please make the checks out to Idaho City High School and put as a memo "Loyal Willis Scholarship Fund." You can mail your check to: Idaho City High School Attn: Angel Nelson PO Box 227 Idaho City, ID 83631
Published in Idaho Statesman on July 27, 2011
Loyal was born in Mason Valley, Nevada, where his parents, George and Elizabeth Willis, had a homestead. He was the oldest of three children and was introduced to hard work at an early age. He spoke of he and his father hand digging a quarter mile trench below frost line to install a water line to their home. There were many other such projects at the homestead. He grew up working the farm and raising cattle.
Loyal was always an excellent student, and graduated from high school when he was 15. His mother made him wait until he was 17 to start college. During the two year wait, he attended every county extension class he could. During his senior year in college, both of his parents passed away, and he took over as parent to his younger brother and sister, Noel and Frances, and helped with their college expenses.
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, he moved to Pioche, Nevada, where he worked as a county extension agent. There he met Barbara Ibach who became his wife of 62 years.
Shortly after their marriage, Loyal enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He became a B-17 bomber pilot and was in the 8th Army Air Force, 447th Bomb Group. He was in the Air Offensive for Europe and Normandy. He was based in England and flew 32 missions into German territory and helped clear the way for the ground invasion of Normandy. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He was one of four of his crew remaining, and they still kept in touch.
After returning from the war, Loyal, Barb, and their baby son, Larry, moved to Paradise Valley, Nevada, where they were cattle ranchers. He bought a Caterpillar D-4 to work his land, and began hiring his services out to other ranchers. This evolved into Willis Brothers Construction Company that Loyal and Noel ran for 25 years.
As the business grew a move was made to Winnemucca, Nevada. Many of the roads and dams in northern Nevada were built by Willis Brothers. The were known for their integrity, timeliness, and quality of work. They retired in the early 1970's. Although Loyal didn't really retire!
He and Barb bought a beautiful old ranch in Idaho City, Idaho, and created the Duquette Pines subdivision. He built all the roads, dug the water lines, and, in the beginning, plowed all the snow. He got a real estate brokers license and sold lots. Most of the people who bought property became life-long friends of Loyal and Barb. They didn't just develop a subdivision, they built a community of friends. He and Barb designed and built the home they'd always wanted on top of the hill, surrounded by beautiful views and wonderful friends. The 40 years spent at Duquette Pines were the most enjoyable of their life. Loyal liked adventure.
He loved flying his turbo charged Cessna 180 into the Idaho back country. He had many enjoyable times fishing, hunting, and managing the Flying Resort Ranches on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. In their sixties, he and Barb flew to South America, over the Andes and into Cochabamba, Bolivia to deliver a single engine airplane to Larry when he was living and selling airplanes there.
He and his son-in-law, Bill, took annual trips to Alaska for salmon fishing through Loyal's 91st year. He went to the Grand Canyon with his daughter, Ann, when he was 89, and thought it was "awesome". At age 90 he flew from Boise to Atlanta to visit his grandson, John, and his family. He was determined to keep enjoying life as long as he could.
Loyal's best times were with his family and friends. He loved all of us so much and got extreme joy from time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When we think of Loyal, words come to mind like courage, honesty, determination, perseverance, and kind heartedness. We will remember him for his incredible strength of character. We hope to better our own lives by emulating his values. We are grateful for all the time we've spent with him. The woodbox is empty and the fireplace is cold, but Loyal will always warm our hearts.
Loyal is survived by his daughter, Ann Gaechter, and son-in-law, Bill Gaechter; granddaughters, Darcy and Lacey Gaechter; grandsons, John and Jim Willis; granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Willis; great-grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher and Tiernan Willis; and nieces and nephews Candice Rice, Michelle Grow, Teresa Lynne Willis, and Maxl Willis and Tom Ross.
Loyal was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; son, Larry; his mother and father, Elizabeth and George Willis; and sister, Frances Ross and Noel Willis; and many good friends.
A celebration of life service will be held for Loyal Sunday, July 31 at the Idaho City High School at 1:00 p.m. There will be a gathering at the school after the service with dessert and beverages.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Loyal Willis Scholarship Fund. Please make the checks out to Idaho City High School and put as a memo "Loyal Willis Scholarship Fund." You can mail your check to: Idaho City High School Attn: Angel Nelson PO Box 227 Idaho City, ID 83631
Published in Idaho Statesman on July 27, 2011
Loyal A. Willis September 23, 1918 ~ July 23, 2011
Loyal was born in Mason Valley, Nevada, where his parents, George and Elizabeth Willis, had a homestead. He was the oldest of three children and was introduced to hard work at an early age. He spoke of he and his father hand digging a quarter mile trench below frost line to install a water line to their home. There were many other such projects at the homestead. He grew up working the farm and raising cattle.
Loyal was always an excellent student, and graduated from high school when he was 15. His mother made him wait until he was 17 to start college. During the two year wait, he attended every county extension class he could. During his senior year in college, both of his parents passed away, and he took over as parent to his younger brother and sister, Noel and Frances, and helped with their college expenses.
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, he moved to Pioche, Nevada, where he worked as a county extension agent. There he met Barbara Ibach who became his wife of 62 years.
Shortly after their marriage, Loyal enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He became a B-17 bomber pilot and was in the 8th Army Air Force, 447th Bomb Group. He was in the Air Offensive for Europe and Normandy. He was based in England and flew 32 missions into German territory and helped clear the way for the ground invasion of Normandy. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He was one of four of his crew remaining, and they still kept in touch.
After returning from the war, Loyal, Barb, and their baby son, Larry, moved to Paradise Valley, Nevada, where they were cattle ranchers. He bought a Caterpillar D-4 to work his land, and began hiring his services out to other ranchers. This evolved into Willis Brothers Construction Company that Loyal and Noel ran for 25 years.
As the business grew a move was made to Winnemucca, Nevada. Many of the roads and dams in northern Nevada were built by Willis Brothers. The were known for their integrity, timeliness, and quality of work. They retired in the early 1970's. Although Loyal didn't really retire!
He and Barb bought a beautiful old ranch in Idaho City, Idaho, and created the Duquette Pines subdivision. He built all the roads, dug the water lines, and, in the beginning, plowed all the snow. He got a real estate brokers license and sold lots. Most of the people who bought property became life-long friends of Loyal and Barb. They didn't just develop a subdivision, they built a community of friends. He and Barb designed and built the home they'd always wanted on top of the hill, surrounded by beautiful views and wonderful friends. The 40 years spent at Duquette Pines were the most enjoyable of their life. Loyal liked adventure.
He loved flying his turbo charged Cessna 180 into the Idaho back country. He had many enjoyable times fishing, hunting, and managing the Flying Resort Ranches on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. In their sixties, he and Barb flew to South America, over the Andes and into Cochabamba, Bolivia to deliver a single engine airplane to Larry when he was living and selling airplanes there.
He and his son-in-law, Bill, took annual trips to Alaska for salmon fishing through Loyal's 91st year. He went to the Grand Canyon with his daughter, Ann, when he was 89, and thought it was "awesome". At age 90 he flew from Boise to Atlanta to visit his grandson, John, and his family. He was determined to keep enjoying life as long as he could.
Loyal's best times were with his family and friends. He loved all of us so much and got extreme joy from time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When we think of Loyal, words come to mind like courage, honesty, determination, perseverance, and kind heartedness. We will remember him for his incredible strength of character. We hope to better our own lives by emulating his values. We are grateful for all the time we've spent with him. The woodbox is empty and the fireplace is cold, but Loyal will always warm our hearts.
Loyal is survived by his daughter, Ann Gaechter, and son-in-law, Bill Gaechter; granddaughters, Darcy and Lacey Gaechter; grandsons, John and Jim Willis; granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Willis; great-grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher and Tiernan Willis; and nieces and nephews Candice Rice, Michelle Grow, Teresa Lynne Willis, and Maxl Willis and Tom Ross.
Loyal was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; son, Larry; his mother and father, Elizabeth and George Willis; and sister, Frances Ross and Noel Willis; and many good friends.
A celebration of life service will be held for Loyal Sunday, July 31 at the Idaho City High School at 1:00 p.m. There will be a gathering at the school after the service with dessert and beverages.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Loyal Willis Scholarship Fund. Please make the checks out to Idaho City High School and put as a memo "Loyal Willis Scholarship Fund." You can mail your check to: Idaho City High School Attn: Angel Nelson PO Box 227 Idaho City, ID 83631
Published in Idaho Statesman on July 27, 2011
Loyal was born in Mason Valley, Nevada, where his parents, George and Elizabeth Willis, had a homestead. He was the oldest of three children and was introduced to hard work at an early age. He spoke of he and his father hand digging a quarter mile trench below frost line to install a water line to their home. There were many other such projects at the homestead. He grew up working the farm and raising cattle.
Loyal was always an excellent student, and graduated from high school when he was 15. His mother made him wait until he was 17 to start college. During the two year wait, he attended every county extension class he could. During his senior year in college, both of his parents passed away, and he took over as parent to his younger brother and sister, Noel and Frances, and helped with their college expenses.
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, he moved to Pioche, Nevada, where he worked as a county extension agent. There he met Barbara Ibach who became his wife of 62 years.
Shortly after their marriage, Loyal enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He became a B-17 bomber pilot and was in the 8th Army Air Force, 447th Bomb Group. He was in the Air Offensive for Europe and Normandy. He was based in England and flew 32 missions into German territory and helped clear the way for the ground invasion of Normandy. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He was one of four of his crew remaining, and they still kept in touch.
After returning from the war, Loyal, Barb, and their baby son, Larry, moved to Paradise Valley, Nevada, where they were cattle ranchers. He bought a Caterpillar D-4 to work his land, and began hiring his services out to other ranchers. This evolved into Willis Brothers Construction Company that Loyal and Noel ran for 25 years.
As the business grew a move was made to Winnemucca, Nevada. Many of the roads and dams in northern Nevada were built by Willis Brothers. The were known for their integrity, timeliness, and quality of work. They retired in the early 1970's. Although Loyal didn't really retire!
He and Barb bought a beautiful old ranch in Idaho City, Idaho, and created the Duquette Pines subdivision. He built all the roads, dug the water lines, and, in the beginning, plowed all the snow. He got a real estate brokers license and sold lots. Most of the people who bought property became life-long friends of Loyal and Barb. They didn't just develop a subdivision, they built a community of friends. He and Barb designed and built the home they'd always wanted on top of the hill, surrounded by beautiful views and wonderful friends. The 40 years spent at Duquette Pines were the most enjoyable of their life. Loyal liked adventure.
He loved flying his turbo charged Cessna 180 into the Idaho back country. He had many enjoyable times fishing, hunting, and managing the Flying Resort Ranches on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. In their sixties, he and Barb flew to South America, over the Andes and into Cochabamba, Bolivia to deliver a single engine airplane to Larry when he was living and selling airplanes there.
He and his son-in-law, Bill, took annual trips to Alaska for salmon fishing through Loyal's 91st year. He went to the Grand Canyon with his daughter, Ann, when he was 89, and thought it was "awesome". At age 90 he flew from Boise to Atlanta to visit his grandson, John, and his family. He was determined to keep enjoying life as long as he could.
Loyal's best times were with his family and friends. He loved all of us so much and got extreme joy from time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When we think of Loyal, words come to mind like courage, honesty, determination, perseverance, and kind heartedness. We will remember him for his incredible strength of character. We hope to better our own lives by emulating his values. We are grateful for all the time we've spent with him. The woodbox is empty and the fireplace is cold, but Loyal will always warm our hearts.
Loyal is survived by his daughter, Ann Gaechter, and son-in-law, Bill Gaechter; granddaughters, Darcy and Lacey Gaechter; grandsons, John and Jim Willis; granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Willis; great-grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher and Tiernan Willis; and nieces and nephews Candice Rice, Michelle Grow, Teresa Lynne Willis, and Maxl Willis and Tom Ross.
Loyal was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; son, Larry; his mother and father, Elizabeth and George Willis; and sister, Frances Ross and Noel Willis; and many good friends.
A celebration of life service will be held for Loyal Sunday, July 31 at the Idaho City High School at 1:00 p.m. There will be a gathering at the school after the service with dessert and beverages.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Loyal Willis Scholarship Fund. Please make the checks out to Idaho City High School and put as a memo "Loyal Willis Scholarship Fund." You can mail your check to: Idaho City High School Attn: Angel Nelson PO Box 227 Idaho City, ID 83631
Published in Idaho Statesman on July 27, 2011
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