We Remember

UPDATED SERVICE INFO for WILLMS, Daniel “Dan” Walter

A Memorial Service will be held to honour Dan; the family would like to invite all who want to pay their respects to join online by Livestream on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2021, at 1:00 PM PDT (Please see below to view the service).

Husband of 40yrs, father to three adult children and Papa to six grandchildren, Dan Willms fought the good fight against multiple myeloma for 15 years breaking every prediction for survival. He walked with full faith that his Lord and saviour had a bigger and better plan for his life, and he proved that to be the case. On September 26, 2020, he got his heavenly wings, and he now rests high on that eternal mountain in the arms of Jesus.

We are left to reflect on the traits of who Dan was. His humility, his integrity, the way he saw people, and his passion to bring the gospel to as many people as he could. He was a constant encourager and proud of his family. He loved us ceaselessly with his big strong heart. He was our defender and protector. A safe place to go when life didn’t make sense and you needed help finding where true North was again. He listened without judgment and only with love. He was our problem solver. He was a leader, mentor and had compassion for people who were hurting. He was our biggest cheerleader and comforter. He comforted his family right until his last breath. His selflessness was admirable.

He had a huge heart for people. Everywhere he went he won the hearts of people. To know him was to love him. Dan was loyal to a fault and his words always carried truth and integrity even when it wasn’t the easy thing to do. He sincerely longed for true and real relationships with his family and friends. We will always remember his strength in hardship, his grace for people and unyielding faith in God.

His life was marked by his career in business through Northside industries for 30 years followed by 8 years serving as executive pastor in The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada. He had a love for flying and obtained his pilots license early on in his adult years.

Dan was a true gem of a man, and we are all better because of his presence in our lives. Well done dad. Well done!! You have finished the race that God has given to you. No more pain. No more suffering. No more sorrow. Rest knowing you were and are loved beyond measure. Be at peace. Be in glory. Walk with the Lord. Till we meet again. Never forgotten. Forever loved

Dan leaves behind his beautiful bride of 40 years, Lark Willms; his three children: Julie (Steve) Brooks, Christie Khan, and Mark (Kayleen) Willms; his six grandchildren: Kenzie Brooks, Nash Brooks, Eva Khan, Benjamin Khan, Lucas Willms, and Hudson Willms. He is also survived by his three remaining siblings: Hank (Marilyn), Bert (Chris) Willms, and Dave (Donna) Willms; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Aron and Adina Willms; siblings Victor, Lorina, Vern, Frieda, Linda, and John; also, his brothers-in-law Art Born and Peter Dyck.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KGH Foundation (please select to support the Cancer Care Fund or Hospice House / Palliative Care), www.kghfoundation.com or to the BC Cancer Agency Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior, www.bccancer.bc.ca.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

MEMORIAL SERVICE:

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KGH Foundation (please select to support the Cancer Care Fund or Hospice House / Palliative Care) or to the BC Cancer Agency Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior Link: www.kghfoundation.com, www.bccancer.bc.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Linda McLaughlin says:

    A great man and friend has passed from this life into the next. The angels are rejoicing.
    My sympathy and love to my sweet friend, Lark and to the whole family. I know your hearts are breaking right now, but take comfort in knowing we will see him again!:

  • Eleanor Pauls says:

    Dan’s sister Frieda was my sister in law so growing up in Kelowna I was familiar with the Willms family. I remember Dan’s laughter, he had a fun spirit and enjoyed gatherings. Having lost touch through the years I was connected via Facebook and enjoyed his posts. My condolences to Dan’s immediate family but also to Hank, Bert and Dave. May you all be comforted knowing he’s with our heavenly Father rejoicing.

  • Patricia says:

    You said it right kids “To know him was to love him” when we first moved to Kelowna in 1983 him and Lark were one of the first people we met. He was my first bible teacher and was the someone that walked the talk, Have a special place in my heart for both of them. Rest In Peace and know that your Dad made a difference in people that met him.
    Patricia Dyck

  • Lorena barnes says:

    To my dear friend Lark, and to your precious family, Lorne and I send our love, our support and our prayers. Our hearts ache for each of you. Our prayer is that the comfort of The Comforter will overwhelm you with His felt presence.

  • Don and Shirley Longman says:

    Sharing in your sadness … our hearts aching, Lark, Julie, Christie and Mark and families… how we know Dan loved and was so proud of you all!.We know that love will just get bigger and bigger. Your Dad was an incredible encourager in Faith and he helped spur us on in ours. We will always remember his strong commitment to God… his prayers for our family .. his love for our children. His example of Love ,Truth , Courage and integrity make us better people for having shared in friendship with Dan and Lark.
    Love love you our precious blessed Willms family … celebrating your husband and father’s life with you.. our much loved Dan… who lives on eternally through his much Loved Jesus. Love and hugs to you all

  • Paul & Renee Cairney says:

    Lark, Julie, Christie, Mark and families….our heart hurts for you. We know Dan is watching down on us all.
    We were privelaged to share so many wonderful qualities from Dan, I especially treasure the friendship We had of over 20 years. Through good and bad he always stood tall, with integrity, wisdom and of course a strong backing of faith. May he Rest In Peace. May you all be strong, know you are in our prayers, in our thoughts and loved very much.

  • Albert & Clara Janzen says:

    Our most sincere condolences to you and your family . We will always remember the special celebrations we shared ! We wish you God’s peace and strength as you carry on . Love & prayers, Albert & Clara

  • Cal And Tudy Fortnum says:

    To Lark Christy Julie Mark and Willms Family. Our heart aches for all of you in Dan’s passing. As believers in the same Jesus all we want to say is: “WHAT A DAY of REJOICING THAT WILL BE!!” Dan you’re home and suffering no more. We will be praying for all of you during the days ahead. Blessings and love Cal and Tudy Fortnum

  • Rudy Wiebe says:

    To Lark and family, my deep condolence. Dan was my brother-in-law and dear friend. His life was full and exciting, hard to keep up with but one to emulate. He took me scuba diving, untrained and unskilled, tried to drown me but it was fun! His laughter and good humour rings in my ears still. Via con Dios.

  • Carol & David Janzen says:

    Lark and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time, There are many memories in the tribute video.

  • Shar Gray says:

    Praying for you Lark & family that your days will be filled with peace and your years ahead with strength. Cal & Shar Gray

  • Arthur (Art) Enns says:

    Dan was a good friend growing up in Kelowna. We’d enjoy hiking or swimming on Sunday afternoons and of course attending church and Sunday School. (We were even baptized on the same occasion in our early teens.) After moving away from Kelowna I lost touch with Dan, but it’s so good to know he was a man who loved the Lord and loved his family, right to the end. Today (October 9th) happens to be the day I lost my wife Margarete to cancer seven years ago. Who knows — maybe Dan will get to know her in heaven! Anyway, that’s where I’ll renew my acquaintance with Dan some day. In the meantime, may the Lord bless Lark and the whole family with His comfort and the peace that passes understanding.

  • Ron Ruffell says:

    Lark and family: A truer man I have never met. I had the privilege of working with and getting to know Dan during my years at Northside Steel. Respect, honesty, honor, admiration, sincerity, tenacity, integrity are only a few of Dan’s attributes that he shared in his business and personal lives.. In reflection, working alongside Dan was the highlight of my business career.. I will forever cherish the warmth and comradery that Dan and Lark showed to me and my family.. Thank you Dan, for all that you were and all that your legacy will carry forward. I salute Lark and your wonderful family. God bless you …. we will meet again my friend.

  • Dawn Friedrich says:

    Dear Lark. I was so sad to learn recently of Dan’s passing last fall. You and your family must miss him terribly. As I read his obituary I realized how much his life impacted so many people. He certainly lived well and loved well. I can still remember his infectious laugh. The years have flown by but I have fond memories of you and Dan. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Dawn Friedrich
    Nova Scotia

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