Willis James Darling

Peacefully, at University Hospital London, on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, Willis James Darling in his 94th year. Beloved husband of Gertrude Druar. Loving father of Donald (Cora), George, Linda (Denis), John (Lynn), Mary (Rick), Robert (Rosie) and Jennifer. Grandfather of thirteen and great-grandfather of five. Predeceased by his brothers Morris, Elmer and Sidney and by his sisters Amelia Armitage and Ellen Schram. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Willis served in the Canadian army during WWll, one of 6,000 Canadian soldiers wounded, killed or Missing in Action in the 1945 Liberation of Holland from five years of brutal Nazi occupation. Every year since, Holland has shown its unforgettable gratitude to Canada and the brave soldiers like Willis by sending thousands of tulip bulbs to Ottawa, resulting in the beautiful Ottawa Tulip Festival. Visitors will be received in the O'Neil Funeral Home, 350 William Street, London on Sunday, from 1 - 4 p.m. Prayers Sunday 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Mary Immaculate Church, 1980 Trafalgar at Admiral on Monday at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment in St. Peter's Cemetery, London. Online condolences & Guest Book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of choice.