Thomas Wallace Will
March 13, 1933 – February 29, 2024
Thomas was born March 13, 1933, to Wilson Andrew (Pete) and Alice Will (Battersby) in Vulcan, Alberta. He passed peacefully in High River on February 29, 2024. Thomas grew up on the family farm near Milo and went to MacGregor school located near the farm and then to Milo school.
Thomas enjoyed tinkering with vehicles and machines. He apprenticed as a mechanic at Bertrand’s garage in Milo. He then moved to Grande Prairie near his siblings Winona and Wilson. He worked at various jobs in the area for several years. He returned to Milo in 1962 where he helped his father with the farm and worked in Beckner’s garage. In 1975 he married Donna Hagerty, a local school teacher. The next year brother James moved back to the farm and lived in the original farmhouse with his mother. Thomas and James farmed together until 1998 when they retired from active farming but continued to live at the farmstead.
Thomas then used his mechanical knowledge to repair and restore antique cars and machinery. He also looked after the farmyard and gardened. Thomas and Donna enjoyed travelling in their RV and during the summer visited family, joined community gatherings and fishing. During the winter they visited various places in the south.
Thomas was predeceased by his parents, his wife Donna (Hagerty), siblings Catherine Winona Atkinson, Andrew Wilson (Willie), James Allan and Agnes Helen Brooks. He is survived by his sister Sylvia Nicholson, brother Joseph Morris, brother-in-law Mervin Thomas Brooks and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:30 am at the Milo Community Hall, Milo, AB, Rev. Fr. Mariusz Sztuk Celebrant. Inurnment to follow after fellowship at the Vulcan Cemetery Columbarium.
Donations in Thomas’ memory can be made to the Vulcan County Health & Wellness Foundation, Box 28, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0, or to vchw.foundation@gmail.com.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Tom and Donna’s dedication to the Milo Community was greatly appreciated over the many years. They did their best to live independently and stay in their home as long as they could; Tom and James enjoyed restoring vehicles and tractors. I know how much Tom and Donna enjoyed their travels to see family and friends.
The Wills were great neighbours. The legacy Tom and Donna have left through the Milo Development Co-op, along with brothers James and Joe, will benefit the Milo Community for many years into the future.