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4 - Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday,.December 18,2002 Strong Willed Willsher By Anita DeVries "Nothing can help you grow as a person more than a major roadblock in your life." Popular school trustee, Bob Willsher, said this with a smile on his face, as he lay in his hospital bed, unable to walk due to complications that arose from his fight with cancer. cancer. Willsher has always been a happy, positive, giving person. Now those attributes, which he has cultivated throughout his life, sustain him over this new hurdle. When he first ran for school trustee in 1982, he was competing against seven other people, and his name, being 'Willsher' was last on the list. "I went to every door, and since I needed to create a catchy phrase to help people remember me, I said, 'If you can't remember my name remember that the bald headed guy is the last on the list!'" said Willsher. "I left people with a smile on their faces; a smile can do so much for a person." "I love what I do, and I know I can make a difference," difference," said Willsher. Serving the people of Clarington is a "tremendous honour" for Willsher, seeing the results of his efforts gives him great satisfaction. Even his job at GM as a manager gave him joy. Working with people, helping them, sustains the glow on his own face. "I always felt I have a job that contributes to someone else's well being," said Willsher. He has been married to his high-school sweetheart, Sonya, for 37 years. "It's a partnership that can't be replaced," Willsher said, "She has been a tower of strength; it's sad how society doesn't value long time relationships relationships as much anymore." The oldest of their two sons is autistic. Doctors told the Willshers that their son would be totally dependent on them itiilliflllii plflllil! linkiliiiiihiiiiiiiiiÜH i their entire lives. "He has worked everyday of his life," said Willsher happily, knowing knowing himself how much satisfaction satisfaction work gives a person. "He graduated from grade 12 with a special education diploma." diploma." It was last December that Willsher was diagnosed with cancer. He had investigative surgery in March and radical surgery in May. Four weeks ago he had emergency surgery at Sunnybrook. He is now at Lakeridge Health Bowman- ville, determined to make a full recovery. When he does, he wants to lobby for more support for health care workers. workers. "We expect more from our health care workers than we have a right to expect, they are so busy, but shining through the burden of work is a genuine genuine caring for people," said Willsher. Willsher loves his job so much that he attended the last Kawartha Pineridge School Board meeting via teleconfer- Places I've done time . e e It's a wonderful life ... when yon live in this town! We're proud to be part ol this fine community and thankful for the many good neighbours we've come to know. To all of you, we send our very best wishes this holiday season. V b nil my Friends & Customers from Clifford Francis & Little Miss Jessica PRO-PAINTING 905-983-5761 ence. He keeps in contact almost everyday with the board and knows exactly what is going on. He did not run again for chairperson of the board last month because he wants to have a little more time for the things he wants to do in life, and because he wants to be able to speak more freely for the people he represents rather than always being conscientious conscientious of speaking for the whole board. Angela Lloyd has been elected to take his place as chair person. She has worked- with Willsher for 6 years. "Bob is the most dedicated person I'.ve ever seen," said Lloyd. "He never walks, he always runs. He gets so fired up about things, his passion comes through to do the right thing. I've learned an incredible incredible amount from him, he's always positive." With cancer, there's always uncertainty of what Continued page 9 MORRISON'S HARDWARE W Pre-Christmas Clearance 50% OFF REGULAR PRICES on all Christmas Lights, Decorations, and Accessories Saturday December 21 st to 24 th ONLY holiday hours: December 24 - 8am to 3pm; Closed Dec. 25, 26, 29; Dec. 31 - 9am-3pm; Closed Jan. 1 5337 Main Street, Orono * 905-983-5207 " From our home to yours DURING THIS SPECIAL TIME OF year. We wish you a holiday FILLED WITH GOOD CHEER AND A VERY HAPPY NEW Year. We're proud to be a part of THIS FINE COMMUNITY AND ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU. Mayor John Mutton and Members of Council m. Mi. HF -m {