Willy (William) George Ingram left this world on October 20, 2024, while on the job just outside Medicine Hat, Alberta. Willy was a kind-hearted man with a sharp wit, and infectious laugh, and who quickly made friends wherever he went.
Born in Cornwall, Ontario, on May 21, 1956, to Donna (nee Lawrence) and William Joseph Ingram (predeceased), Willy was brother to 12 siblings. Willy is survived by his mother, Cheryl (Pelkey), Chris, Donna (Derouchie), Gary, Karen (Lebrun), Kelly, Tony, and Victoria (Fortier). He is predeceased by Mary, Michael, and Steven (Squirrel).
A lifelong friend of horses, for decades Willy was a trainer and champion racehorse driver. His racing career took him all over North America, including to Ohio where he met fellow horse-lover Shirlee (nee Jans; Toledo, Ohio), whom he married and made a family with. Their children include Olivia (Vancouver, BC) and Billy (Medicine Hat, AB), to whom he was a friend, mentor, and proud supporter.
Upon returning to Cornwall, Willy worked at Satisfied Brakes for 12+ years as a mechanic, union shop steward, and contract committee member, organizing with fellow workers for dignity and fairness on the job. Willy also started and kept a family farm in Long Sault, where he grew hay, tended horses, and was a beloved friend to his neighbours.
Following the opportunity, Willy later worked in the clean energy sector—installing solar panels in Ontario and Alberta, where he also installed wind turbines. His fellow workers describe him as a good guy to have around; someone who was reliable, brought happiness and jokes to work every day, freely shared his knowledge, and worked hard while having fun. He frequently said that “everyone has a place and something they can contribute”, which he showed through being understanding, respectful, and curious towards everyone he meets. Willy believed in kindness, solidarity, and that a better world is possible, if people work together and help each other out. In his spare time, Willy liked to relax with a beer and a smoke, tell stories, be with his loved ones, and enjoy the moment.
Willy is loved and missed deeply by his family, biological and chosen, and by all who had the good fortune to know him.

For those who wish, the family is asking for donations to a GoFundMe set up in Willy's name. Please copy the link below into a new web browser.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-in-memory-of-willie-ingram?attribution_id=sl:703cfd5a-2175-4c14-af46-474fa3ee4621&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp8_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=native_options&sfnsn=mo

Online condolences may be shared at www.wilsonfuneralhome.ca