October 22, 2026
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Bruce Willits of Lucknow, died Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, surrounded by family, in his 73rd year.
Husband of Barb, and father of Cindy (Trevor) Black, Melanie (Joel) Toner, Chris (Samantha) Willits and Nicole Willits (Darren Austin).
Proud grandfather of Hunter, Cheyenne, Bennett, Carson, Keelan, Nick, Jake, and Grace.
Brother of Mac, Murray (Jane Girodat), and Alan (Laurie) Willits and Kathy (Steve) Van Engen. Brother-in-law of Bob (Debbie), Bill, and Stan (Pam) Loree and Shirley (Tom) Coady.
Predeceased by his parents, Walter and Jean Willits; and in-laws, Austin and Mildred Loree.
Affectionately known as Burrhead and Poppa Bruce, Bruce grew up in Turnberry Township on the Willits family farm before moving to Lucknow to live with his uncles, Bruce and Archie MacMillan, in 1972.
Following the death of his Uncle Bruce, he took over the tire business, running it at the MacMillan family farm. In 1979, he purchased the Allan Hackett Farm Equipment building and moved the Willits Tire business to where it is currently located on Ross Street in Lucknow.
In 1983, Bruce took over the MacMillan family farm. The MacMillan homestead at 37005 Amberley Road was built in 1890, and Bruce was the fifth generation of the MacMillan family to farm the land.
Bruce took great pride in his work ethic and business, still going daily to Willits Tire until October of 2025. He loved sharing the local news with all the local farmers and customers, and was keen to be the first with a breaking story. Bruce knew the value of hard work, regularly heading out into the fields after a long day of changing tires.
He loved his family and enjoyed nothing more than piling the whole family into the Aerostar mini-van and heading out on road trips. Regular trips up the Lake Huron coastline, and further destinations, such as Daytona Beach, Tennessee, Virginia and Myrtle Beach.
Bruce was so excited when his grandchildren arrived. His favourite times were the loud and chaotic family visits with all the kids running around. He enjoyed camping and road trips with the motorhome. During the warmer weather, his favourite way to spend a Saturday night was having a campfire with the family.
He will be missed by all his family and friends.
A private funeral will be held at the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow.
A public Celebration of Bruce’s Life will be held at the Lucknow Legion, Nov. 1, 2026, from 1-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the South Kinloss Presbyterian Church, would be appreciated by the family.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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