WAYLAND: Nicholas Brooks Willard, 81, passed away February 5, 2021 at his home in Wayland, MA surrounded by family after battling Parkinson’s Disease for 8 years.
He was born June 26, 1939 to Donald Brooks Willard and Shirley Mulliken Willard in Salem, MA. He was an 11th generation descendant of Simon Willard, the famous clockmaker and early settler of Concord, MA.
First and foremost, Nick loved his family. It was evident to all who knew him that he adored his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” of 50 years and 3 daughters Melissa Willard Parent, Emily Alta Willard and Elizabeth Brooks Willard and her husband James Ryan Henderson. Nick thought of Judy and Noel Hanf, Linda Kauffman and Bill Costigan, Suzie Woodard and the late Sam Kauffman as brothers and sisters. He was very proud of his nephews Jonathan and Benjamin Roe and nieces Sarah Kauffman DeLuna and Laurel Roe Morris. His three grandchildren Tyler Parent, Katherine Anderson and James Anderson were a great joy.
Nick lived in Marblehead, Massachusetts until his family moved to Wayland when he was 7. At that time he met George P. Richardson Jr. who became his best friend for 74 years. He graduated from Wayland High School in 1957. During his senior year, in a class with 18 boys, his baseball, football and basketball teams were undefeated and won the Eastern Mass Tech Tourney at The Boston Garden.
Following graduation from Brown University, Nick began a successful career in printing and packaging. He was the National Account Sales Manager and Plant Manager with Container Corporation of America, President of Rand Whitney Corporation and President of NS Converters. For years he was active in the Wayland community serving on the Personnel Board and Economic Development Committee.
Nick had vivid blue eyes, a charming manner and a generosity to match. His way with words was understated and guaranteed to elicit a smile. His often-requested humorous family stories were legendary. For many years, Nick finished the entire New York Times crossword puzzle in ink every day. Had a life-long love of sports as a player and spectator. He played golf and tennis into his late 70’s and attended many Wayland High School athletic events even after his daughters had graduated. He followed the Red Sox and Celtics but never, never missed a Patriots game. Nick was most content sitting with family and friends talking and enjoying a good meal. He made friends with confidence and ease wherever he went.
Nick Willard was a gentle man and a gentleman. He touched the lives of all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
At this time, services for Nick will be private. A celebration of his life will be held in the future.
Donations to The Wayland Boosters may be made in his honor at waylandboosters.org/donate.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. For condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com