Obituary of Willi Durer
Durer: Willi Hans Adolf -
A life-long resident of Muirkirk, Willi Durer passed away at Riverview Gardens, Chatham on August 15, 2023 at the age of 85.
Predeceased by his late beloved partner Eileen Nieth and her son Mike Miller.
Willi is survived by his brothers; Hilmar Durer, Klaus Durer and Rudi Durer all in Germany. Willi will also be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours, as well as extended family; Tom and Linda Ford, Mac and June Ford, Linda Buchan, Jean and the late Fred Chambers, John and Diane Mazan.
Born in Herchsheim, Germany, in 1937, Willi immigrated to Canada when he was 16 years of age and settled in the Muirkirk area, living and working on the James Family farm until commencing his military service.
Willi was an active Farmer in Muirkirk since arriving in Canada. He initially worked as an employee of the James Family farm. He enlisted in the Canadian Military in 1960 and upon retirement he earned his title of Sergeant W.H.A Durer, C.D with many service medals, including the Special Service Medal with NATO Bar, the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal approved by Her Majesty The Queen for honourable service while stationed in Germany (1965-1969) and his valuable contribution to world peace with the United Nations in Cyprus in 1970, along with his Canadian Air Force Jump Wings White Leaf Operational Parachutist. Upon his return to the Muirkirk area, he was employed as a Jail Guard in Chatham for many years, continued serving others through in the brotherhood of the Masonic Lodge and Mocha Shiners, and worked on his own farm where he remained an active farmer in the community until his health issues prevented him from continuing what he loved to do.
Family and friends will be received at the Funeral Home, 76 Main St. E. Ridgetown on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 11:00 a.m until the Masonic Lodge Service at 12:30 p.m. with the Funeral service following at 1:00 p.m. Interment at Gosnell Cemetery, Highgate.
Donations made in memory of Willi to the Alzheimer Society or the Salvation Army would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
McKinlay Funeral Home
76 Main Street East, Ridgetown
519-674-3141
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