The Glencoe & District Historical Society mourns the loss of Ken Willis, our friend, longtime historian and museum keeper for Wardsville, Newbury, and the Township of Mosa.
For decades, Ken devoted himself to preserving the stories of his community. As Historian and Manager of the Wardsville Historical Museum, he gathered, catalogued, and cared for an extraordinary collection of photographs, documents, and artifacts housed in a historic building on Longwoods Road in Wardsville. Every item in that collection reflected Ken’s deep commitment to making sure the people and places of Wardsville would not be forgotten.
Ken was also an author, having written A History of Wardsville, Volumes 1 and 2 — works that stand as a lasting record of his research and his love for the village’s story.
Last year, Ken made a decision that speaks to his lifelong dedication: he arranged for the entire contents of the Wardsville Historical Museum to be transferred into the custodianship of the Glencoe & District Historical Society, ensuring that the collection he had spent a lifetime building would be preserved for future generations. True to form, Ken’s concern was not only for the artifacts themselves, but for the people of Wardsville — he wanted to be sure that the residents of the village he loved would continue to be looked after, and that their history would remain accessible to them.
The Society is honoured to now serve as steward of Ken’s collection, and we take seriously the responsibility he entrusted to us. His photographs, documents, and personal papers — many with carefully documented provenance — will help tell the story of Wardsville for years to come.
Ken Willis will be remembered as a dedicated historian, a careful keeper of memory, and a generous friend to everyone who shared his passion for local history. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.
Playlist of Ken Willis videos
Celebration of Life
Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Ken’s life on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Interment Service
12:00 p.m.
Simpson Cemetery
21563 Pratt Siding Road, Glencoe, Ontario
Celebration of Life
1:00–4:00 p.m.
Newbury Legion
22 Durham Street, Newbury, Ontario
Please join Ken’s family and friends as we celebrate a life well lived. Ken’s love for Wardsville, its people, and its history touched so many, and his legacy will continue to live on through the stories he shared.
Ken Willis, 2022. There were not many subjects in elementary school that I enjoyed but History was one I did. When I entered High School, English and Ancient history came easily to me. I could remember ages, events and the people involved… I got good grades! As I look back now, I wish there had been more about local history because my ancestors played an important role.
Eventually I began researching Wardsville, my home town, and have carried the title of “Official Wardsville Historian” since 1986. I have been the curator of the Wardsville Historical Museum since 2002. In 1993 and 2000, I wrote two books on the history of Wardsville. I have published the historical writings and poems of my grandfather, W.A. Edwards.
In 1991, I helped write the book “Golden Days of High School”, contributing a chapter on the former Wardsville High School. I was a founding member of “Your Wardsville” Community Association in 2009 which worked with playwright Marion Johnson and her producer sister Nancy Johnson to stage their play about the Duncombe Rebellion of 1837.
In 2010, I joined with scores of Wardsvillians to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Wards Station by George and Margaret Ward, a bicentennial heritage event that was a huge success.
I continue to research past Wardsville and area residents, write papers and present the results of my work to societies and other interested parties. I enjoy my Historical Society membership duties, doing research for those seeking their family roots in the area.
Kenneth Charles Willis 1944 – 2026
In the quiet and familiar surroundings of Four Counties Hospital in Newbury, Kenneth Charles Willis stepped into the presence of his loving Saviour Jesus Christ on Wednesday July 8, 2026 at the age of 82 years. Predeceased by his loving wife Sandra Willis, his brother Gary Willis and parents Lawrence Percy & Pauline Keziah Willis. Survived by his siblings, Larry Willis and Karen Chalmers. Loved by many nieces and nephews, close friends and his church family.
Ken lived a life of unwavering faith, service, and compassion. Throughout his life, he answered the call to serve others in many ways, leaving a lasting impact on his family, friends, congregation, and community.
Ken began his career in public service as a Police Constable, faithfully serving from 1965 to 1980. Following his years in law enforcement, he fulfilled his entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating an upholstery business.
His greatest calling, however, was ministry. In 2009, Ken became the Pastor of Emmanuel Christian Church, Newbury, where he faithfully shepherded his congregation until his retirement in December 2025. His unwavering faith, gifted preaching and teaching and his dedication to sharing God’s love touched countless lives and will remain his enduring legacy.
Ken’s life echoing the words of the Apostle Paul – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for HIS appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
