Willard La Verne Wilder

Willard Wilder, age 82 of Custer, went home to the Lord on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 while at the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden. 

A lifetime Whatcom County resident, Willard was born on November 25, 1931 to LaVerne & Elvera (Vera) Wilder in Bellingham. He attended schools in Ferndale and graduated from Lynden in 1949. He served in the US Army from 1952-54. On June 17, 1955, Willard married Charla Pike and together they dairy farmed until 1990. He also drove truck for Bellingham Builders and Wilder Construction until his retirement.

In 1968, he fulfilled his dream of owning a 6-Horse Hitch of Percherons. This is a family affair which is continuing yet today with showing all over the Pacific Northwest.  Willard will be remembered as “Grandpa Wilder” by all of the kids in the draft horse barns.  He was a member of many Associations:  Teamster Local 231, NWWA Fair, WA Draft Horse & Mule, International Plowing, just to name a few along with serving as a Director of the Percheron Horse  Association of America.

Willard was preceded in death by his Parents, Step-Father Dr. JA Porter, DVM, Brother Jim Porter, In-Laws Elmer & Edna Pike, Brother-in-laws Greg & Wayne Pike.  He is survived by his wife Charla, children Vicki Lewis, Curt (Terrie) Wilder, Cheryl (Tom) Lallas, Craig and Ken Wilder. Grandchildren Jason (Michelle) Lewis, Judy (Nick) Margeson, Pam (Adrian) Santangelo, Patrick (Kim) Wilder, Mary Kahle, Jim Kahle and Whitney Wilder along with 6 Great-grand children: Heather & Gavin Santangelo, Lucas Wilder, Lauren & Tegan Lewis, and Carlee Margeson.  Sisters Michaele Giesler, Shirley (Jack) Slotemaker, Sister & Brother-in-law Judy & Jack Boxx along with numerous cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Christian Health Care Center for all the loving care given to Willard this past year.

In lieu of flowers a Willard Wilder Memorial fund has been set up at Banner Bank.  A celebration of life will be set at a later date.