Obituary of Alan P. Willway
The family of Alan P. Willway of Regina and formerly of Yorkton, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Willway, sadly announces his passing on May 30, 2026.
The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre.
CLICK HERE to view livestream beginning at 1:45.
The interment will follow in the Garden of St. Mark, Yorkton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation https://share.google/GvGxCNKuUxVWQjRzF as gifts of remembrance.
Alan Philip Willway
May 30, 1929 – May 30, 2026
Alan Philip Willway passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on his 97th birthday, May 30, 2026.
Alan was a cherished son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 72 years, Elizabeth Willway; his parents, Frederick and Helen Willway; and his sister, Joan Maynard.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Verone (Barry) Charington and Verity Willway (Roger Perzan); his five treasured grandchildren, Verenna (Ryan) Maduck, Vanessa (Ryan) Bourlon, Braden Charington, Brittany (Kelly) Ashburner, and Layne (Natasia) Peterson; and his seven beloved great-grandchildren, Madeleine, Charlotte, Raya, Owen, James, Julian, and Millie. He will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Alan was born on May 30, 1929, in Davidson, Saskatchewan, to proud parents Fred and Helen Willway. From an early age, he developed a deep connection to the land and the farming way of life. He attended Cotham School riding his beloved horse Trixie, who was his faithful companion. He later assumed responsibility for the family farm, a role he embraced with dedication, determination, and pride. Farming was never simply a livelihood to him; it was a way of life that he loved deeply. As both a grain and cattle farmer, he devoted his life to working the land and caring for his livestock, taking pride in every season, every harvest, and every accomplishment the farm brought. In 1989, his lifelong commitment to agriculture was recognized when he received the Century Family Farm Award during Saskatchewan’s Centennial Celebration, honouring BELLE-VIEW Farm's 100 years of continuous family ownership (1889–1989).
On October 31, 1951, Alan married the love of his life, Elizabeth Gelmich, at St. Andrew’s United Church in Yorkton. Their marriage was a remarkable partnership built on love, devotion, and unwavering support for one another. Together they shared 72 wonderful years and created a family that became Alan’s greatest source of pride and joy.
Alan believed strongly in serving his community. Throughout his life, he generously gave his time and leadership to numerous organizations. He served for ten years on the Cotham School Board, including four years as chairman. He was an active member of the Odd Fellows Lodge for twenty years and represented Christ Church Cotham on the Parish Council for three decades. Alan also served for twenty-six years on the Yorkton Co-op Board, forty-four consecutive years on the Yorkton Credit Union Board, and twenty years as chairman of the Valley Social Club. His commitment to community service left a lasting impact on the people and organizations he cared about.
After more than fifty years of farming, Alan and Betty retired to Crooked Lake, where they enjoyed the beauty of lake life and the opportunity to spend more time together. Retirement brought new adventures, including many cherished winters as snowbirds in Palm Shadows, Donna, Texas, where they formed lasting friendships and created treasured memories. Later, they spent five years at Morrison Pointe in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, enjoying condo living and the gift of spending precious time with Betty’s sisters, Mary and Rose (Don). Following the arrival of their first great-grandchild, Alan and Betty made the heartfelt decision to leave Yorkton and move to Green Falls Landing in Regina, allowing them to be closer to their growing family. There, they embraced a new chapter surrounded by the love of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who brought them immense joy in their later years.
Alan lived life to the fullest, finding joy in simple pleasures and shared experiences. He always said, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” a motto he not only spoke but truly lived by each day. His strong work ethic, attention to detail, and determination were matched only by his warm smile, sparkling blue eyes, quick wit, and genuine interest in those around him. Throughout his life he embraced the things he loved most: dancing, golfing, curling, welding, travelling, and spending countless hours playing cards and visiting with family and friends. Alan also had a special place in his heart for his many family dogs, who brought him companionship and comfort over the years. These passions reflect the energy, curiosity, and wholehearted spirit with which he approached every stage of his life.
At the heart of Alan’s life was his family, who meant everything to him. He was a steady source of wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love, always offering strength and reassurance in both the easy and difficult moments of life. His family looked up to him not only for his advice and support, but for the quiet example he set through a life defined by integrity, kindness, and perseverance. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the generations who were so fortunate to know, love, and be shaped by him.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Green Falls Landing for the kindness, friendship, and compassionate care they provided Alan over the last six years. Their support helped make Green Falls Landing a place he was proud to call HOME. Never one to stop embracing new experiences, Alan was especially proud to find his singing voice with the GFL Choir. Singing with the choir brought him friendship and joy, and became a treasured part of his later years. The family also wishes to thank the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at Pasqua Hospital for their exceptional care, comfort, and support during Alan’s final days.
Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered
