Gilbert R. Willink
Gilbert Roy Willink, 92, went to be with the Lord with his family by his side on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at his home in Clymer. He was born May 13, 1927, in French Creek, N.Y.
He was preceded in death by wife, Patricia, whom he married in 1948; parents, Leigh M. and Addie Dunnewold Willink; and brothers: Alvin and Raymond.
He is survived by his four children: Donna (Bill) LaChapelle of Montrose, Colo., Dale (Cindy) Willink of Clymer, David (Kathy) Willink and Dan (Pam) Willink of Elkhart, Ind.; 13 grandchildren, Will LaChapelle, Montrose, Colo, Brian (Christy) Willink, Clymer, Kristy (Pat) Catanese, Panama, Jeff (Mallory) Willink, Fort Mill, S.C, Petty Officer First Class, Aaron D. (Nichole) Willink, San Diego, Calif., Petty Officer First Class Jason L. (Amanda) Willink, Chesapeake, Va., Stephanie and Ashley Willink, Elkhart, Ind.; and seven great-grandchildren.
Gil enjoyed building, repairing and remodeling anything from houses to engines and found joy in helping others. He designed and built their home in Clymer at the age of 75. He retired from Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. in 1990 after 33 years of employment. He served on the Clymer School Board and as town of French Creek Justice of the Peace and was a member of the Edwards Chapel United Methodist Church.
Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Clymer United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 10-11:30 p.m., with the service immediately following.
The family invites everyone to join us for a light lunch in the church social hall.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Hospice Chautauqua County, especially Laurie Intihar, Amy Carmen, Julie Nagel, Roberta Schruise and Chaplain Tim Phelps and also Pastor Kevin Costner of Clymer United Methodist Church
Memorial contributions can be made to the Clymer Volunteer Fire Department, Box 31 Clymer, NY 14724.
Arrangements by the Spitzer Funeral Home, Clymer, N.Y.