Willard “Bojak” Helton of Clinton died April 16, 2009, in Everett. A memorial will be held at Visser Funeral Home in Langley on Thursday, April 23, at 1 p.m. A graveside service at Langley Cemetery will immediately follow.

Willard was born to Luther and Mollie (Estes) Helton, on April 25, 1939, in Tazewell, Tenn. Willard played basketball in Clayborne County High School and was an active member of the Little Sycamore Baptist Church in Tazewell. Willard graduated high school in 1957. He then joined the Navy, which brought him to Whidbey Island. It was there that he met his wife Leanora “Nora” Bryant; they were married in Langley in 1961. After an honorable discharge, he went to work in Telecommunications and worked for GTE in Everett, until his retirement in 1991.

Willard was a very active member in various service clubs; most recently the Whidbey Island Eagles, Freeland, and the American Legion of Langley.

Willard is preceded in death by his parents Luther and Mollie.

He is survived by his wife Nora Helton, of Clinton; sons Eric (Rick) Helton, Lake Stevens, and Michael Helton and his wife Maranda of Everett; grandchildren Cheyenne, Kaylee, Jakeb, David, Ethan and Michael; brothers, Glenn Helton and his wife Dianne, Lonnie Helton, George Helton and his wife Karen; sister Billy Sue Ratliff and her husband Ray; and many nieces and nephews.

Willard (Bojak) enjoyed the great outdoors and will be remembered for his love of camping, fishing and hunting.

Following the service everyone is invited the Eagle’s club for a celebration of life.