Tony Willford

Published 10:08 am Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Celebrating the Life of Tony Willford

December 16, 1923 – April 28, 2019

At age 95, Tony still loved life and deeply loved his family that included Pat, his wife of 75 years, daughter, Becky and son, Tom (deceased), his close friends, and all those he might meet along life’s pathway.

His gifts were dependability, generosity, kindness, ambition, and a deep faith that sustained him in troubled times and rejoiced in the good.

Homes he grew up in lacked electricity, running water and plumbing. Not until he lived in a

boarding house in San Diego prior to joining the War effort did he experience such luxury.

Tom was born in Winlaw, British Columbia, Canada, to Effie Seamans Willford and Richard

Edgar Willford, formerly of Sheridan, WY. Alton was the third of ten children, 3 siblings

passing away in childhood. He graduated Gillette, WY High School in 1941, was inducted

into the U.S. Army Air Corps at Ft. Rosecrans, San Diego July 3, 1942. During his brief time

in San Diego, he met his future wife, Pat Nickerson, on a blind date. A year later, on August

31, 1943, they married in their Pastor’s home in La Mesa, CA. War time meant separations.

Pat returned home to her parents, working as a teller until Tony’s combat service was

completed. He flew 35 missions as nose gunner on a B-24 Bomber out of Darwin, Australia

from Dec. 1943 until Feb. 1945.

At war’s end, there was a new beginning; in San Diego, a tiny new home; in August 1946, a

son, Thomas Clark; arrival of baby sister, Becky Ann joining the family in July 1952.

A neighborhood filled with children in Fullerton, CA where both thrived, walked to

schools, were active in their church, community activities, church camp, musicals, Jr.

college, and lots of visiting relatives. We were that close to Disneyland! Our daughter

followed her Dad and enjoyed a career in banking, making him ever so proud of her.

A banking career that spanned over 35 years, including completing his American Institute

of Banking course, which he taught in night classes for several years at Orange Coast

College in Costa Mesa, CA. I cannot recall him ever calling in sick, that never made sense

to him.

He had his Private Pilot’s license, was an active member of Civil Air Patrol in CA, always

on the Finance Committee for the Methodist churches in Fullerton and Escondido, CA.,

as well as Bend. At Bend First United Methodist Church, he enjoyed greeting, cooking for

brunches and a 36 year membership at the church.

Cross country skiing, golf, flying, and finding projects to build or repair, even an airplane

or two. Shopping for fresh vegetables and fruit was his retirement recipe. He always had

an agenda. He was one that could drop off to sleep for 20 minutes, be refreshed and ready

to continue the day.

Survivors include his wife, Pat, of Bend, daughter, Becky O’Brien of Dana Point,

CA, grandchildren, Chris Willford, Portland, Jason Willford, Milwaukee, OR,

Bethany Nelson, Snohomish, WA, Olivia O’Brien, Playa del Ray, CA, and great

grandchildren, Jacob Willford of the U.S. Marine Corp, Zoe Willford and Sebastian Willford

of Portland, OR.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at First United

Methodist Church, 680 NE Bond Street, Bend, Oregon 97701.

Rather than flowers the family would appreciate gifts to Partners In Care, 2075 NE

Wyatt, Bend, OR 9770l or Shriners Hospital for children, P.O. Box 1510 Ranson, WV 25438