Glenn Arthur Willbanks passed away at home on August 30 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Porterville, California, to Mary Louise and Arthur Thomas “Johnny” Willbanks on March 6, 1942.
He is survived by Nancy Kettner, his partner of 22 years, his daughter Claudia Coats (Bob), his three younger daughters Claire Wood (Chad), Amy Willbanks Moore (Gary), Joanne LaCourse (Adam), and their mother Tina Perkner, Nancy’s son John Groh (Belinda), grandchildren Matthew, Olivia, Beatrice, Owen, Thomas, Imogen, Raymond, Jakob, Natasha, and Staci, and great-grandchildren Matthew, Christopher, Liliana, and Micah.
Glenn joined the Air Force at age 17 and served for four years in active duty and two years in the reserves. Prior to arriving in Tracy in 1979, Glenn was a flight instructor and air traffic controller. After the air traffic controller strike, he began his real estate career. In 1983 he became a real estate broker and soon started the company Putt, Fallavena, Willbanks & Dittman with his business partners. Glenn graduated from Humphreys College School of Law in 1987. He enjoyed his real estate and law careers immensely and vowed to never retire, and he never did, taking time out of his work days for frequent trips to the coffee shop with his kids and grandkids for coffee and scones, and ending the work weeks with Friday BBQs at the office. Glenn was an active member of the Tracy community and served as Chamber of Commerce President, Tracy Association of Realtors President, and was the starter for the Tracy Tritons Swim Club in the 1980’s when his kids were swimming. Glenn enjoyed skiing, golfing and riding his Harley, especially on his yearly 4500-mile treks to Sturgis. He will be remembered for his large Sunday breakfasts, his infectious laugh and his love of anything chocolate. He was a man of integrity with a zest for life who will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held in celebration of Glenn’s life on Monday, September 10, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Fry Memorial Chapel, followed by a graveside service at Tracy Cemetery (Little Arlington). Reception will follow.
Any donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of San Joaquin.
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