Anderson Willigar

CHELSEA – Anderson Willigar, 14, died on June 25, 2023, of complications of shunt failure, at Boston Children’s Hospital. Anderson was born on Dec. 27, 2008, to parents James and Amy Willigar, and sister Lily Willigar. Anderson was born with Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, and Arnold Chiari Malformation II. Despite the challenges of these conditions and the many surgeries that he endured, Anderson always faced them head on with strength, perseverance, and humor.

Anderson was an amazing young man. He was known by friends and family to be friendly, kind, thoughtful, and compassionate. He cared deeply about others. Just when you thought you were the one helping or teaching him, you realized that he was teaching you too. In many ways, Anderson was wise beyond his years, often thought of as an old soul. He had an extraordinary bond with his older sister Lily. They truly understood and loved each other through shared challenges and experiences. Lily has always looked out for and protected her brother and taught him so many wonderful things.

He greatly enjoyed many hobbies and activities, especially bowling, wheelchair basketball, and four square with friends. He showed no mercy in Nerf battles. Cribbage, connect 4, Uno, Roblox and other iPad games were his top favorite games. He often played cribbage with his Gampie and was so happy to teach other family members how to play as well. He really looked up to his Uncle Tobey and Auncle Mal, hanging out with them, playing games, and going places. He loved being outdoors and doing activities with his sister, building things with dad, watching, and feeding birds with Gee. He loved adaptive sports, especially tennis, cycling, and paddling. He enjoyed watching all the New England teams on television with dad- the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and the Boston Bruins.

He enjoyed crafting with Gamma and making her laugh when he would ask how many coffees she’d had. Doing diamond dot paintings with Gee was special. He was good at drawing and painting and was extra proud of special artwork that Gempa had printed up. He loved watching Gempa perform live music and learning how to play guitar just like him. He was very good at cooking and baking with his family and loved offering to make mom coffee with his extra special “secret ingredient” that he knew she loved cinnamon. He loved helping his mom do things and often proudly assisted her with daily tasks.

He had a profound sense of humor and loved jokes and slapstick humor like The Three Stooges and Monty Python. Making people laugh always delighted him, especially when he shared funny animal pictures and videos. He had a strong connection with his dog Maya and cats Rascal, Merry and Milo. He was always up for adventure and enjoyed rides up Mr Battie, going to the coast, family gatherings, concerts, and special outings with Gee, Gampie, and Lily. One of the things that brought him the most joy was going to see live music. He often offered to be our own personal DJ, and favored Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, BTS, Kane Brown, and his Gempa’s music.

When he wanted something or to do something, he’d cleverly advocate for it. When he thought he should be able to drink coffee, he researched all the reasons it would be beneficial and presented them well. He was willing to accept tea as a compromise and enjoyed making especially chai or Blackberry Raspberry for himself.

Anderson was predeceased by his Uncle Dale Willigar, Great-Grandfather George Willigar Sr, Great-Grandfather Arnold Hafford, Great-Grandparents Raymond and Betty Tobey, and Great-Grandparents William and Carolyn Tozier.

Anderson is survived by his parents James and Amy Willigar; sister Lily; his maternal grandparents Bill and Kelly Tozier (Gempa and Gamma) of Jefferson, his paternal grandparents George and Leah Willigar (Gampie and Gee)of Chelsea; his Uncle Tobey and Auncle Mal of Gray, his Uncle Nicholas and his girlfriend Jess of Washington DC; his great grandmothers Jeanette Hafford of Sherman and Judy Willigar of Patten; and many great aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Our hearts are broken with the physical loss of Anderson, but we know for sure that he would tell us that “you will be alright” and want us to celebrate the time we spent together. Forever would not have been long enough. He always looked forward to holidays, traditions, and celebrations, especially like his sister, mom, and Gamma. He would want us to continue to live each day to the fullest and love each other.

In this spirit we plan to have a Celebration of Life in Anderson’s honor, at the Augusta Elks Club Lodge 964, on Sunday July 16, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A special thanks to our cousin Brock Thomas, funeral director, for all his helpful guidance.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers,

please consider a

donation to:

The Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England

209 W Central St #132

Natick, MA 01760

sbagreaterne.org