
Bob Wells
As read by Anita Hewitt and Dustin Wills
Robert Edward Wills (Bob or to us Grandpa Bob) was born in Eastend, Sask. on Aug. 2, 1934 to Marguerite and Ed Wills – the eldest of seven siblings. He took his schooling in Eastend except for one year when the family lived in Turner Valley.
Grandpa quit in Grade 12 to go do seismic and work drilling rigs. He felt an obligation to help support his parents and would send home a part of his paycheque each month.
In June of 1957, Grandpa Bob married Jacklene Bascom and from this union, there were three sons born: Clay, Ed and Clark. Grandpa had bought a ranch in the Cypress Hills, which was called the Bench and he and Grandma Jackie worked hard to make a living there. Grandpa was also an equal partner with his dad in Ed Wills Trucking company so between ranching and trucking cattle, he was constantly on the go.
The winters up on the Bench and in the draws towards Eastend could turn brutal with unpredictable snow storms.
Since Clay and Ed were attending school in Eastend, there were times Grandpa took a team of horses and sleigh to get the boys to the nearest neighbour who could get them into town and the two boys would spend months with their grandparents. Because of this, it was decided that it was time to sell out and in 1967, Grandpa Bob moved his family to Swift Current, Sask. where he would start his career in the cattle business.
Grandpa Bob started out as a branding inspector at the Sask Pool at Swift Current and then began a lifetime career buying cattle. He worked for Beswick and Lang, Sask Pool in Lloydminster, partnered with Bruce Wilcox, and then worked for Provost Livestock Exchange, Keith Weaver of Weaver Ranching, Schetzsle Marketing Inc, and lastly Dryland Cattle Trading Corp. in Veteran. His career would end in Veteran at the ripe age of 80.
During his time in Lloydminster, Grandpa Bob met Evelyn Franklin and they would be married on March 3, 1979. This meant that Grandpa’s family would expand to include Evelyn’s children, Lee, Sherry and Randy.
Grandpa Bob and Grandma Ev moved to Provost that same year and Grandpa would work under his own business Bob Wills Livestock for several years – doing most of his cattle buying in the Altario – Compeer area. The Cattlemen’s group in Compeer set up the corrals and Grandpa donated the scale so as to make up a stockyard to help with the sorting and penning of cattle, sometimes up to 600 head in a day.
Compeer Hotel became his business office, with Grandma Ev doing books in a quiet corner while drinks and handshakes would be passed around after a long day in the yards.
Pretty sure Compeer Hotel was sad to see Grandpa change his career path.
Grandpa Bob was not only a great cattleman, he was also a great horseman. He trained horses for endurance racing, winning a 20-mile race in Montana and racing a 72-mile race in southeastern Saskatchewan.
He also enjoyed running thoroughbred chariot races and then progressed to chuckwagon racing, joining the Northern Professional Chuckwagon Association (NPCA) in 1980.
Grandpa and Grandma would travel across Alberta and into Saskatchewan with the NPCA and for seven years, he attended Calgary Stampede and Cheyenne, Wyoming for four years.
In 1987, Grandpa and Grandma retired from wagon racing, which would give them the opportunity to travel to family gatherings, grandkids’ events, travelling to the States, and camping at their favourite spot, Cypress Hills Resort. Grandpa would be so excited to get down to Cypress that as soon as the park opened, he would be sitting down there to get in, which also meant that for several years, he would have to dig out from under a dump of snow.
Grandpa had a great sense of humour and would have some of the best wittiest comebacks, but best of all was his ability to tell his life stories. Never boring, no bragging or complaining, just would tell it like it was!
Grandpa Bob was known for his honesty and integrity when dealing with cattle producers and it was confirmed when several of Grandpa’s long-time customers reached out to say that the cattle industry had lost “one of the best”.
One particular customer explained that he loved his cattle and when grandpa was coming to bid on them, he knew he was dealing with someone who really cared as well. Grandpa also made a point to take time for visits with his customers, creating lifelong friendships.
Grandpa sent many loads to Ontario and was known for putting together top-notch cattle, which was the expectation of the Ontario buyers and he did not disappoint them.
Ross McCall in Ontario paid tribute to Grandpa Bob, calling him one of the buyers that they had a great working relationship with.
A South American, while visiting the Veteran Auction Market, turned to his host family member and said that Bob looked like John Wayne – and Grandpa sometimes would remind all of us of that personality. He didn’t look for trouble but he didn’t back down. Like the time, a group of cattle buyers were sitting in the Greenhead lounge having a drink, when a fellow sitting with them proceeded to call them all a bunch of thieves. Grandpa calmly set his drink on the table and without missing a beat, he threw a punch across the table knocking this fellow ass over tea kettle and then picked up his drink and proceeded to enjoy his evening.
Grandpa expected respect and in return, he would give it back. And you better know how to be respectful of a woman – addressing many of his customer’s wives as ma’am. His word, your word or a handshake was what he considered a contract and if you were to back out of a deal, Grandpa could find his sharp tongue!
But out of this tough exterior, there was also a gentle side. He was generous with his grandkids, visiting with them and giving them treats. He always had jelly beans to share! He showed his appreciation when warranted. And telling Grandma, as he lay in the hospital – you know I love you.
His influences can be seen in his three sons and grandchildren, whether it be the oil patch, gardening, trucking, or a love of cattle and horses. His work ethic can be seen in his boys and their children and all of us have a great sense of humour and love a good story!
In 2016, Grandpa and Grandma moved to Lloydminster at which time his memory loss was worsening. Grandpa was very blessed to have Grandma Ev who worked tirelessly and with loving compassion looking after his needs until his passing on June 20.
Bob was predeceased by his mother, Marguerite and father, Edward Wills; sisters Ruth Grundler, Grace Prevost and June Arendt; brother Norman and infant brother, Frank. Also predeceased by brothers-in-law, Bud Arendt and Bob Person and sister-in-law Audrey Person; nephew Wade Wills and niece, Lori Liebel.
Grandpa Bob will be greatly missed by his wife of 44 years, Evelyn.
Also missed by son Clay Wills (Pat) and their children Alisha Wills; Tanner Wills (Erin) and their children Natalie and Henry; Dustin Wills (Adrina) and their children Kalyn and Benson.
And missed by son, Ed Wills (Susan) their children Anita Hewitt (Ryan) and their children Lynn and Julie; Nicole Kinch (Travis) and their children Zachary and Brooke; Tracy Grabler (Brent) and their children Ryley, Summer and Bryer.
Also missed by son Clark Wills (Karen) their children Kyle Wills (Tyra) and their children Lucas and Andi; Amanda Jardine (Troy) and their children Logan and Ruby-Lynn.
Also missed by Evelyn’s children, Lee Franklin (Della) and their children Vanessa Franklin; Brant Franklin (Jade) and their daughter Ariel.
Also missed by Sherry Waldorf (Rick) and their children Philip Waldorf (Lisa) and their children, Bella and Chloe; and Mathew Waldorf.
Also will be missed by Randy Franklin (Phyllis) and their son, Adam; one sister, Mary Lou Wright (Howie); sister-in-law Nancy Wills; brothers-in-law Ken Prevost and Curtis Grundler and numerous nieces and nephews.
Grandpa Bob was truly loved and respected and we all will miss him dearly.
McCaw Funeral Services of Lloydminster were entrusted to provide the funeral service that was performed on June 30 at the Alliance Church in Marwayne, Alta.
The family of Bob Wills would like to express their gratitude to those of you that were able to attend the service, who sent cards, food, flowers, or expressed words of condolences, we are truly blessed and appreciate your thoughtfulness.