Obituary of Lynne Willich

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Lynne Sandra Willich wishes to announce her passing in her home at Rotary Manor on Monday, June 21st, 2021, at the age of 75 years. She was born in Dawson Creek on December 18, 1945, to parents Myrtle and Arnold Neste. She was the youngest of three siblings, sister to brothers Claire and Arden. She was lucky enough to have had most of her immediate family living close by her entire life in the same town she was born in. She was predeceased by her son, Layton William Willich, her parents, Arnold and Myrtle Neste, as well as both brothers Claire and Arden Neste. Lynne is survived by her husband, Leroy Willich, children, Lauralee (Gene) Cooper, Leslianne Bumstead, Linley (Bradi) Willich and former son-in-law Doug Bumstead, extended family, and friends. Her eight grandchildren were so very important to her, as she spent much time with them teaching them to knit, crochet, play cards and board games, and the importance of volunteering for community groups. Her grandchildren are Richelle (Chris) LePine, Rayel (Clint) Ethier, Lyndsay (Bryce) McMillan, Peyton (Jeff) Bodie, Blair Bumstead, Jesse Bumstead, Bralin Willich and Blake Willich. Lynne was also lucky enough to have enjoyed great-grandchildren over the past 6 years as well. Asher Bodie, Miller Bodie, Deakyn McMillan, Ava Ethier and Jack LePine were fortunate to have met the matriarch to their mothers family. Unfortunately, she was not able to hang on long enough to meet her 6th great-grandchild, as this little one has not quite made an entrance into this world, being due on June 28th, 2021. Lynne married her best friend and partner, Leroy Willich in October 1964. They made their home in the community of Bessborough in 1971, purchasing a quarter section of land and that is where they raised their family until they finally retired from their small ranching activities in the fall of 2011. At this time, they sold their farm and moved into town. They moved into Rotary Manor together in the fall of 2020. Lynne worked in the early years of her marriage at the local Lake View Credit Union as a bank teller until her family started. After this time, she kept herself busy by working tirelessly for many local community groups in different positions for a span of over 40 years. Some of these groups she was involved in were the Bessborough Womens Institute, Hats & Chaps Gymkhana Club, Bessborough Community Club, and the Friday Morning Ladies Coffee League. She was a wonderful mother, a fun-loving nana, and an awesome friend to many. She had a generous heart to all who knew her and was always willing to take on any challenge or task thrown her way. Her family is going to miss her presence, but take great comfort knowing that she is able to finally be with Layton. A private family service will be held with interment to follow at Sunrise Valley Mountain View Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Lynne to The Rotary Manor Activity Fund, 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 5A3. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium