24/03/2026
Very sad to hear of Evan’s passing. He was a special kind of man who truly embraced every moment of life. His spirit, his laughter, and the way he showed up for others will stay with all of us. He will be deeply missed by many.
Robert "Evan" Wills (R.E. Wills Sound Systems)
Evan passed away peacefully at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre with his loving family by his side on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Mary Jane (nèe Chapman) for 40 years. Predeceased by his loving first wife Glenda (nèe Foley), his children Bob Wills, Mary Ostrom and Evie Wills, his brother Lawrence and sisters Isabel, Inez and Edith. Dear father of Bill Wills (Lyn), Cindy Tye (Dennis) and Jamie Wills (Melissa), proud step-father of Mark Rollins (Shelley) and Traci Beauchamp (John), and father-in-law of Shelley Wills. Sadly missed by his grandchildren Kimberley, Josh, Courtney (Adam), Travis (Sonja), Tara, Melissa, Kayla, Gage, Lucas, Madison, Lauryn and Carter, and 8 great grandchildren. Fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Eileen Thomson, his brother-in-law Ted Chapman, and by many nieces and nephews.
Son of the late Thomas and Gladys Wills, Evan was born and raised in Morton, Ontario. He thoroughly enjoyed his 31 years at MTO as a welder, but his true passion was being owner and operator of his sound company R.E. Wills Sound Systems for over 65 years. His business took him to many fairs and events throughout the years which he thoroughly enjoyed, many roads were travelled and many friendships were made. Evan was also extremely handy, he built starting gates and was the starting judge for many horse races. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends at Payne Funeral Home (178 Main St., Odessa) on Friday, March 27th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Funeral Service will be held at St. Alban’s Anglican Church (67 Main St., Odessa) on Saturday, March 28th at 2 pm. Interment will be held at St. John’s Anglican Cemetery in Lyndhurst on Tuesday, March 31st at 2 pm.
In acknowledgement of Evan's 65 years of service to the Delta Agricultural Society, the main stage at the fair grounds was named in his honour during the opening ceremonies of the 195th anniversary edition of the fair in July 2025.
