Willard Ghent
December 28, 2025
GHENT, Willard – Passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday, December 28, 2025 in his 81st year. Predeceased by his wife Dale Ghent (2008). Beloved father of Tim Ghent, Gary Ghent (Mary-Lynne Hambly), and Lisa Cooper (late Mike, 2020), all of Mount Forest. Cherished Papa of Jennifer Fryer, Dalton Heyden (Adrienne Biffis-Gonzalez), Brittany Ghent (Clayton Cotton), and Mason Cooper; and great-Papa of Landyn Heyden. Special friend of Kathy Morrison. Dear brother of Velma Smith (late John), Evelyn Dowling (Wayne), and the late Alan Ghent. Remembered by his neighbours Bev and Vera Collingridge, as well as many “garage” friends.
Willard worked at PUC as a Linesman until his retirement. During this time, he also served for 40 distinguished years as a volunteer firefighter with the Mount Forest Fire Department. He was a proud member of the Mount Forest Kinsmen Club and the Royal Canadian Legion. Willard’s hobbies included tending to his beloved pigs on his hobby farm, morning coffee with friends, daily joy rides around Mount Forest, and many cherished fishing trips with family and friends.
Visitation will be held at the England Funeral Home, 294 Main Street South, Mount Forest, on Friday, January 2nd from 2:00-4:00 p.m., where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 3rd at 3:30 p.m. Following, all are invited to the Royal Canadian Legion, Mount Forest Branch 134, for refreshments and a light lunch. Cremation will follow with inurnment at Mount Forest Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Willard are asked to consider the Mount Forest Fire Fighters Association or the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation. Donations and online condolences may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
Condolences
Tim, Lisa and Gary so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Our condolences to your family.
— Mary and Paul Dowling, December 30, 2025Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Wayne and Sandra Lytle *
— Wayne and Sandra Lytle, December 30, 2025Dear Evelyn & Wayne...Extending our deepest condolences as you mourn the loss of your dear brother Willard. Trusting that our LORD will sustain you in this time of grief. Blessings jim & corrie
— James W. MARTIN, December 30, 2025Tim, Gary, Lisa, along with your families, I’m so sorry for this unexpected loss to you all. I (Michele) had the privilege of living around the corner from your Dad for a year, and would sometimes bump into him at the mailbox, or enjoying a chat with Bev and Vera. We almost always got to fishing, because it was such an enjoyable pastime for him. I enjoyed chatting with him also during my time at the greenhouse when he’d come to get his summer baskets. It’s been a difficult year of loss in the Ghent family and our hearts are alongside yours as you journey through this loss. Hugs for all your hurting hearts.
— Michele & Mark Hillis, December 30, 2025Evelyn and Wayne
My deepest sympathy at the sudden passing of your brother! God understands!
Wilma Groff
Gary, Tim, Lisa and family - We are so very sorry for your loss. Willard was a very friendly guy and I know my dad really enjoyed working with him at the PUC and always spoke very highly of him.
— Jim & Kim Stewart, December 30, 2025Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Take time to reflect on all your amazing memories. Wendy (MacEachern)& Carl Abbott
— Wendy (MacEachern) & Carl Abbott, December 30, 2025RIP Willard. Condolences to the Ghent families
— John Schmidt, December 30, 2025Condolences to Willard's family. Thanks Willard for some fond Township memories
— Gary Williamson, December 30, 2025My condolences to Willard family …
I remember from years ago Willard and Patti
Judged our Miss Fergus Firefighter Pageant
A couple of times..
Susan Hiller
Fergus Fire Dept
My condolences to Gary, Tim, Lisa and to the Ghent family on your loss.
— Hugh Perrin, December 29, 2025Tim, Gary & Mary-Lynne and Lisa,
Sending our sincere condolences on the passing of your Father. Cherish the memories.
Wilma and Brenda Wollis
Our deepest sympathies to the Ghent family during this difficult time. Brad and Cathy Schwindt
— Brad Schwindt, December 29, 2025Tim, Gary, Lisa, Evelyn, Wayne and families.
So sorry to hear of Willard's passing. We had many good times together. Sending our love and prayers to each one. Garn and Barb
My deepest sympathies to your family.❤️
— Debbie Aitken, December 29, 2025Tim, Gary, Lisa, Dalton, Mason and Landyn and families
Please accept my condolences to all of you on the passing of your father, grandfather and great grandfather. Willard was a wonderful man. May you all be able to find some comfort in all the wonderful memories created with him over the years.
Sincerely,
Michelle, Jocelyn, Curtis, Taylor and families
Sincere condolences to Lisa, Tim, Gary and Mary-Lynne and Kathy. Also to all the rest of the family. I have many fond memories of Willard from the Fire Hall and Wellington North Power where we worked together . He was an awesome guy.
— Ruth Truax/Rick Young, December 29, 2025