Dr. David John Willins
December 29, 1947 ~ September 29, 2013 (age 65) 65 Years OldShare using:
Dr. David John “Dave” Willins, age 65, passed away September 29, 2013 at his residence in Silver Lake, Minnesota.
Memorial services will take place Friday, October 4 at 1:00 p.m. at the Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake, with his brother-in-law, Reverend Chuck McConkey, presiding.
Dr. Willins was born on December 29, 1947 in Farnborough, Hampshire, England, the son of Dr. John and Joan (Fitton) Willins.
Dr. Willins attended University College London where he earned a Ph.D in Physics June 21, 1972 at the age of 23. He achieved the status of Ocean Yachtmaster in 1993, as sailing was one of his favorite hobbies. Dave enjoyed many other activities, including traveling around the world for business and pleasure, playing the piano, and downhill skiing. Dave also loved animals, especially his dog, Jeanie.
On December 9, 1994 he was united in marriage to Linda McConkey McBee in Blandford Forum, Dorset, England.
Dr. Willins was employed for several years by the Ministry of Defense in England and then had a 30-year career with Thales Underwater Systems in Templecombe, Somerset, England until retiring in 2011. In his retirement, he was Marketing Director for Lancashire Family History & Heraldry Society.
Dr. Willins became a resident of the United States in 2012 while also maintaining a permanent home in Bradford Abbas, Dorset, England. Dave enjoyed renovating his home in Silver Lake, Minnesota, spending time with his family - especially his three grandchildren, and having a beer with his neighbors in Silver Lake.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; mother, Joan of Severn Stoke, Worcs, England; aunt, Norah Brown of Moreley Green, Cheshire, England; sons Robert McBee II (Kathleen) of Lester Prairie, MN and Ronald MacBaen (Trina) of Oak Grove, MN; daughter Linda White (Roger) of Valencia, California; grandchildren Robert McBee III, Kaitlin McBee, and William McBee of Lester Prairie, MN; brothers-in-law Reverand Chuck McConkey (Betty) of Bixby, OK, David McConkey (Marilou) of Dededo, Guam, and Steven McConkey (Angela) of Rochelle, IL; and many friends all over the world. Dave was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.