Michael James Willett

Michael James Willett, 35, of Buttercup Lane, Antrim, a beloved husband, father, son and friend, died on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at the Cheshire Medical Center in Keene after a brave and courageous health battle. Born in Peterborough, New Hampshire on November 12, 1979, he was the son of Eugene "Gene" Willett and his wife, Deborah (Thibodeau) Willett of Antrim and Cheryl (Southwick) Rockwell and her husband, Steven Rockwell, of Stoddard. He was raised in Antrim and remained a lifelong resident. He attended Antrim schools and was a 1999 graduate of Contoocook Valley Regional High School in Peterborough. Mr. Willett was a dedicated volunteer on-call certified Firefighter 1 for the Town of Antrim Fire Department since June 1, 2008. He was employed in the construction industry for almost 20 years having most recently been employed by Wesfield Construction in Chesterfield and previously Baybutt Construction in Keene. One of his favorite pastimes was off-road four-wheeling and biking but his most treasured times were those spent with his family camping and canoeing on Gregg Lake as they created lifelong memories to cherish. In addition to his parents and stepparents, he leaves his wife: Meagan Slater Willett to whom he was married on June 21, 2008; his two sons: Logan Willett, age 4, and Tucker Willett, age 2, both of Antrim; his step siblings: Matthew and Kaitlin Rockwell both of Keene; Mandy Exel and her husband, Silas Exel of Fitzwilliam and Jeff Thibodeau of North Carolina; his maternal grandmother: Sylvia (Lougee) Southwick of Peterborough; his step grandmother: Barbara Rockwell of Stoddard; his wife's mother and step father: Donna and J. R. Grant of Deering; five nieces and nephews; several aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, fellow firefighters and countless dear friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Michelle Willett who died on May 2, 2000. He was the paternal grandson of the late Clarence and Joanne Willett, was the maternal grandson of the late Lawrence Southwick and was the step grandson of the late Earl Rockwell. His family will treasure the love and support shown to Mike during his illness from his many co-workers, fellow firefighters, town residents, family members and friends. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to join the funeral procession with Firefighter's Honors that will begin at Great Brook School, School Street, Antrim on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10:00AM and will commence at 11:00 AM via West Street, Buttercup Lane and Route 31 ending at the Antrim Fire Station. Following the funeral procession the family will greet relatives and friends as Mike's life is celebrated at a Memorial Visitation at the Antrim Fire Station from 12:00 - 2:00 PM. Burial will be private at a later date at the Robb Cemetery, Stoddard. A continued time of fellowship and refreshments will conclude services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Antrim Fire Department Association, c/o Chief Marshall Gale, 286 Keene Road, Antrim, NH 03440. To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Timothy R. Nay of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, Massachusetts - (508) 695-0200.