Latest News
A poppy engraved street sign of Willett Avenue.
Screen grab from Google Maps
In honour of our soldiers: John Henry Reginald Willett
Published 12:07 PDT, Wed April 23, 2025
—
In a series about Richmond’s poppy street signs, in memory of our fallen soldiers, we share the story of Willett Avenue.
Willett Avenue was named after John Henry Reginal Wilett, who was known by his peers and those around him as Jack. Jack was born on Jan. 29, 1918 in Calgary, Alberta, along his life’s journey, Jack would find himself living in Richmond, where he attended Bridgeport School. He would attend Richmond High School, graduating in 1935 and worked as a Customs Agent until 1941.
In 1941, Willett enlisted into the Royal Canadian Air Forced as a pilot, given that he had prior experience taking courses in navigation and piloting at a private aero club. His address was listed at 1326 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, his religion was listed as Church of England, and he was married to his wife Norma Helen Willett who he had listed as his next of kin as well. His father, Reginal Henry Willett also lived in Vancouver, but his mother Adeline Maud (Smith) Willet, died prior to John’s enlistment, the details of her passing are unknown.
Upon enlistment, Willett was posted in Alberta for training purposes and even returned to flying school in Boundary Bay. Tragically, during one of the training sessions that involved a landing approach, the Tiger Moth #4372 was involved in a mid-air collision with another Tiger Moth aircraft. Willett who was aboard the plain was killed in the accident, along with two others. John Henry Reginald Willett was buried at the Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
In honour of his willingness to serve, the Richmond city council decided to honour John Willett by naming a street sign after him.
Willett Avenue can be found in the Hamilton area alongside Westminster Highway.
This story also marks the last chapter of our poppy series, we would like to thank all our readers who have followed along this series. We will be focusing on the quirky laws series and beginning a new one that focuses on the Richmond Cenotaph.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
