Bruce Michael Willard
October 28, 1938- December 3, 2025
Bruce Michael Willard of Kent, WA passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, at age 87. Born in Yakima, WA Bruce studied engineering and moved to Seattle to pursue what would be a fulfilling 40+ year career at The Boeing Company. His position in the Aerospace Division led him to dozens of military installations around the country. On one of these stints, he met Lois Henderson who would become his wife of 64 years. The Willard family settled in Kent, WA near the Boeing facility where he continued working until his retirement.
Bruce was a man of many talents, interests and hobbies including sailing with the Three Tree Point Yacht Club, skiing with Lois, their children and eventually their grandchildren, and volunteering with Ski For All where he taught disabled teens and young adults to ski using adaptive equipment.
Wood turning was one of Bruce’s greatest skills and passions. He was gifted at transforming common and rare woods into hundreds of stunning objects including bowls, sculptures, toys, musical instruments, Christmas ornaments, and furniture. He used these skills as a volunteer in the construction of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Covington.
Bruce loved spending time with family, friends and neighbors. He was a dedicated Seattle sports fan, keeping up with the Mariners, Seahawks, Kraken, Thunderbirds and especially UW Huskies Football. He cheered on all four grandchildren at all their sporting events and activities throughout their school years.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Lois, children Lisa (Vic), Brett (Yvonne), grandchildren Hunter (Anna), Lily, Drake, Rory, and family dogs Winston and Lorenzo. He will be dearly missed.
The Funeral Mass will take place on December 22, 2025 at 11:00AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Covington, WA followed by a reception. Donations in Bruce’s memory can be made to the church.
Talk to us
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.
To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

