Dale Willey’s legacy gift: commitment to community
Our community lost a legend when Dale Willey passed away in August 2020. Dale’s wife, Jan, and their children came to DCCF in November with a very special legacy gift that will support nonprofit organization projects in Douglas County through the Community Grants program. We asked their daughters Carol Willey Ryan and Suzanne Willey to tell us more about their dad and his commitment to our community.
“Dad’s philosophy with giving back was paramount to everything he did. He lived out the Bible verse, ‘To whom much is given, much is required,” Carol said. “He truly cared about the community that supported him through decades of business, and he would say his loyalty to the community equally matched the loyalty the community showed him. “He worked tirelessly for many nonprofit organizations, including Junior Achievement, Boys & Girls Club, Peaslee Tech, and Family Promise, to name a few. He made a concerted effort daily to serve others and be a strong servant leader. His motivation was his deeply rooted Christian faith.”
“When I look back at life with my dad, I want people to know that he truly loved people and cared about their well being,” Suzanne said. “He was very authentic.” When we asked his family about what Dale would want nonprofit organizations to know about him, Suzanne said, “I would like for them to know that he cared enough about their mission(s) to help ensure that they could continue on with their work toward mission fulfillment, through his financial giving.”
Carol added, “He legitimately cared for the Lawrence community — his passion was genuine. About a year and a half ago after having surgery for bladder cancer, I was sitting beside him while in the hospital, and he told me that he was so thankful that the good Lord had let him live, because he had ‘more work to do’ for people. He wasn’t done yet. I will never forget that. He was an amazing role model, and I am so grateful.”
Through his planned gift, Dale’s passion for our community will continue to shine.
Dale's grandchildren, Haley and Jack Ryan, also shared rememberances of Dale:
"When it comes to the question of 'what motivated my grandfather and inspired him' I’d whole heartedly say that my Grandfather’s faith in Christ motivated him to give back to the community and show others unconditional love and support no matter who it was. My Grandfather loved his community as well as the men of Delta Chi. He was never one to be superficial when it came to what he did, he put his heart and soul into everything he worked on. His mind was clearly set on bettering(and loving) the people who built him up to the man he was; ie: Delta Chi and the Lawrence community. He will forever live in my heart, and hopefully the people of Lawrences heart, as a man who truly CARED for those around him."
"No words can summarize his love for the Lawrence community. He is a man who represents love, honor, and kindness to all. I hope is gift to the numerous foundations in Lawrence will inspire, not only the youth, but the members of the Lawrence community for years to come."- Jack Ryan
"I can’t summarize the things I would want everyone to know about him into one succinct statement. My grandpa was the most unique man I’ve ever known and will know. He loved Jesus deeply and loved others deeply as a result. My grandpa had always been an incredible man, but since beginning a relationship with God, his deep love and compassion towards others grew even deeper motivating him to greater sacrifice and service to others. He had an incredible heart for others, genuine care and concern and commitment to build up those around him and an ability to bring life, joy and encouragement to any situation. He made you feel like you were the only person in the room when talking to him, added value to you and would make you feel like a million dollars. Throughout my life, he was my biggest cheerleader, support system and encourager in any season of life. He would come alongside me, breath life and encouragement into me, and motivate me towards my future goals and dreams. And he did this with every person that he met. I had the privilege of calling him my grandpa, and knew I received this love, care, and concern as his family but now realize he treated the entire community the same way. If you knew him, then you adored him and he adored you. He would remember facts about your family, and little things happening in your life that he’d follow up about to ask how you are doing. He lived to make much of God and others, and less of himself. It’s the greatest honor and privilege to be a part of his family and pray that my life is spent being a good steward of the legacy entrusted to me." - Haley Ryan
