Willard Emery Sivley

Willard Emery Sivley was born January 10, 1923 to Emery W. Sivley and Elizabeth R. Sivley in Stevens Point, WI. Willard received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters of Sciences in Environmental Conservation from University of Michigan. He also attended Brown University and served 5 years in the U.S. Army Air Forces.

Willard worked for the Walla Walla District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1950 to 1980. At the time of his retirement, he was Chief of the Walla Walla District. He received the Commander’s Award and the Meritorious Civilian Service Award – the second highest award the Army gives to a civilian.

Willard was an extremely active member of the Pioneer Methodist Church, including serving 3 terms as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Co-chair of the building remodel project.

He was a volunteer leader with Toastmasters and Boy Scouts, USA. On behalf of the city and county, he served on the Board of Adjustment, Boundary Review Board, and the Board of Equalization.

Willard was married on February 8, 1953 to Marie Voorhees Sivley. His brothers, who both survive him, are Walter S. Sivley, of Walla Walla, and James R Sivley, of Racine, Wisconsin. He is survived by Marie, his son Paul of Tualatin, OR, and daughter Laurel Nelson of Pocatello, ID. He was preceded in death by his mother and sister, Shirley Jackson. He has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Willard will be remembered for his leadership skills, his professional advancement, and his willingness to utilize his skills to benefit his church and community.
Willard said in 1999 that his one unmet goal was a hole in one, but that he’d save that for the next life. Before he passed, he told his brothers he “had a good run” in his life and was satisfied with its longevity.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 1:30 PM at the Pioneer United Methodist Church with Tom Telfer officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer Methodist Church Memorial Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice through the funeral home.