Willard Straza

Willard Straza, late of Regina, SK passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at the age of 93 years.

 Willard was predeceased by his daughter Deborah Patton (nee Straza); his wife Doreen Straza; his 10 siblings and many other family and friends over the years. Willard is survived by his daughter Brenda (Scott); sons Rocky (Lori) and Quinn (Erynne); seven grandchildren Ryan, Tara (Dave), Chad, Courtney (Paul), River, Sloane, Luca; and great-grandchildren Saih, Destiny, Kainean, and Pypper.

 Willard was born to Mary and John Eli Straza in Elm Springs, SK on January 9, 1927. He was one of eleven children. Willard spent his younger years on the farm in Wood Mountain. He left the family farm in his early 20's to find work. Willard got a job in Drumheller working in the coal mines for a while. Willard then moved to Regina, SK in 1949 and started “Straza and Straza Building Moving Company” with his brother, George. In his first few years in Regina, Willard and two of his brothers, Pete and Jackie, were boxers for the Regina Boxing Club. The three brothers were naturals and Willard was the “Southpaw” of the trio. He won the lightweight division “Golden Gloves” in August 1953. Boxing was always in Willard's heart, he loved to talk about it with anyone.

 Willard met Doreen and theirs was a short courtship, they were married on November 27, 1953. They were blessed with four children - 2 girls, then 2 boys. Willard and Doreen worked hard to support the family, they were a great team. Willard did enjoy time away from work. He and Doreen loved to go to dances and take the family camping. He also loved hunting and fishing with his brother, George; and helping farm in Wood Mountain with his brother, Dan. Willard was also very religious and enjoyed time spent reading scripture.

 Willard had the Building Moving Business for 25 years until he retired in 1974. He was never really one to “relax in retirement”, thus Willard went to work for his brother Pete, again working hard moving buildings and doing demolition jobs. Willard had a number of serious accidents at work throughout his career and in 1975 he experienced a life-threatening accident which nearly took his life. It was at that time that Willard decided to put the hardhat and gloves down and really retire. However, he loved manual labour and was always there to help a neighbour, family member or friend with odd jobs like building a fence, fixing foundations, roofing, yard work and gardening.

 Willard moved into Elmview Extendicare in August 2014 when his health started to decline. Once he settled into life at Elmview, he found he couldn't just sit still. Willard enjoyed going for walks before he went to Elmview so it was no surprise that he would often do up to 20 laps inside the building per day. When staff found out he was a boxer in his youth they did shadowboxing for exercise group. He enjoyed helping Lawry in the courtyard with the gardening, he enjoyed the social games - Bingo was his favourite, and he also relaxed by doing puzzles while enjoying his tea.

 Willard never complained about his physical hardships. He was a strong man, a fighter to the end. His religious beliefs were unbroken as was his faith in his Savior Jesus Christ.

 The family would like to thank Elmview Extendicare for all the exceptional care and love they showed Willard over his almost six years with them. It will never be forgotten and is greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Lawry Tardiff. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elmview Resident and Family Support Group Inc., 101 - 1545 Neville Drive, Regina, SK S4Z 0A7.

 Private family graveside will be held. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park.