Donald Roger Willis

Donald Roger Willis, 77, of Lafayette, CA, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025. Born on May 13, 1948 to Harold Roger Willis and Marcella May Willis (Walker). Donald will be missed by his loving family, many beloved friends in the ice dance/skating community, and his wonderful neighbors and friends he met throughout his life. Donald enjoyed the outdoors, sailing and dirt biking at the family cabin in Pinecrest, CA. His true love was ice dancing. He honed his skating skills at Sun Valley, ID, and Bay Area rinks such as Sutro and Berkeley Iceland. At public sessions he mentored many new skaters of all ages, and recruited them to learn ice dancing. Donald is survived by his sister, Nancy Willis (West), his brother, Laurence Willis, his nieces, Lindsay Willis (Wakefield) Amy May West (Hopper) and Lora Rasmussen, and his grandnieces Allie, Ada and Lee.

In lieu of flowers and cards, there will be a celebration of life for Don at Europa Hofbrau located at 64 Moraga Way in Orinda, CA 94563 on November 12th (Wednesday) at 2 PM-4:30 PM. Food & beverages are available for purchase and encouraged for use of the restaurant.

Europa was one of Don's favorite restaurants. Share your stories about Don with his family, neighbors, and skating family.

Donations can be made to the US Figure Skating Memorial Fund. US Figure Skating, 20 First Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906-3624. Phone: (719) 635-5200.

Website: Donate to U.S. Figure Skating