Wells River, VT- William Patterson Willis, 82, of Ryegate Road, died on April 14, 2010, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, surrounded by his family. Bill was born in Norwich, VT, on May 21, 1927, to Lloyd R. and Pauline (Moore) Willis. He was a graduate of Woodsville High School, Class of 1945 and married Merlene A. Taylor on November 2, 1951. He worked at the Ryegate Paper Mill until his mid-thirties. After working in Maine and learning the trade, he returned to Wells River and started his own plumbing and heating business while still working for the paper mill. Later, he and Merlene purchased the Birchwood Motel. While an employee at the paper mill, he served as a director in the credit union. Along with vegetable gardening, Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing baseball. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Merlene Willis of Wells River; their two sons, Bob Willis of Jericho, VT and Andy Willis and Deb of Wilder, VT; four grandchildren; a brother, David Willis and wife Sarah of East Barnet, VT; one niece, one nephew, and cousins. At Bill s request, there will be no calling hours or public services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Development Office, 60 Kimball Avenue, South Burlington, VT 05403 or to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street-Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02210.