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David J. Willins Obituary – 9/29/2013


Dr. David John “Dave” Willins, age 65, of Silver Lake, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at his home.

He was born Dec. 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 also enjoyed many other activities, including traveling around the world for business and pleasure, playing the piano, and downhill skiing. He also loved animals, especially his dog, Jeanie.

Dave was united in marriage to Linda McConkey McBee Dec. 9, 1994, in Blandford Forum, Dorset, England.

He 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, Dave 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. He enjoyed renovating his home in Silver Lake, spending time with his family – especially his three grandchildren, and having a beer with his neighbors in Silver Lake.

Dave 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, and Ronald MacBaen (Trina) of Oak Grove; daughter Linda White (Roger) of Valencia, CA; grandchildren Robert McBee III, Kaitlin McBee, and William McBee, all of Lester Prairie; brothers-in-law the Rev. Chuck McConkey (Betty) of Bixby, OK, David McConkey (Maryilou) 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.

Memorial services took place Friday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake, with Dave’s brother-in-law, the Rev. Chuck McConkey, presiding.

The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.mareshfuneralhome.com.

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