People in and around the Peace Region are mourning the loss of a community icon.
Doctor Dave Willox passed away on February 18 after a battle with cancer.
Willox is survived by his wife, Laurene, and their three daughters and extended family.
Peace River Broadcasting Corporation President, Terry Babiy was a patient and close friend of Willox.
“Dave was the first one that, quite bluntly, when I told him ‘gee, I am putting on weight because I am building muscle’ and he just told me ‘No Terry, you are just fat,’” recalls Babiy with a smile.
“I took that to heart and dropped a few pounds just with that blunt comment so I appreciate his candour.”
Babiy also points out that Willox was much more to the community aside from his physician duties.
Willox was heavily involved in the planning of the new clinic in Peace River and was on hand for the sod turning ceremony in 2018. The clinic opened in January at a total cost of $5 million.
“The ski hill (Misery Mountain) owes so much to Doctor Dave,” states Babiy. “The chalet where they have meetings, parties and dances; that would not have happened without Doctor Dave’s leadership.”
Babiy says his fondest memory with Willox was when they were travelling to Ontario.
“We flew together to Bruce County to visit the nuclear power plant and get a feel for the community and it was really special to sit with him on that five-hour plane ride and just talk and get to know him better than just my physician.”
Babiy also recalled memories of Willox working in the community garden.
“I can picture him working at the community garden that he worked at after he retired,” recalls an emotional Babiy.
“He is a special man and will be missed.”
Willox was 63-years old.
According to the Chapel of Memories, there are no plans in place as of yet for the community to pay its final respects to Doctor David Willox.
Anyone wishing to leave their condolences to the family can click here.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
