Robert Hays Willard, of Annapolis, passed away on May 21, 2021 at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Rob was born on February 9, 1963 to Edward and Lorraine Willard. He spent his childhood growing up in Burlington, VT where he became an avid sailor, soccer player, skier, and lover of the outdoors. After high school, Rob joined the Army for four years during which time he served as an aid and driver for his commanding officer while stationed in Germany. Upon discharge from the service, he moved to Texas where he met his future wife. Together, they relocated to Maryland and have been residents of Annapolis for over 30 years.

Rob was a skilled carpenter and was employed as a project supervisor in the residential construction industry. He was a devoted father to his children and taught them to be independent and self-sufficient adults who share his love of adventure. Growing up and throughout his adult life, Rob was a dedicated and steadfast brother who could make his siblings laugh like no other. From an early age, he was known for being calm and cool when faced with danger, guiding a sailboat through a violent storm unassisted and facing down a caged cougar. Sometimes his adventurous spirit got him into trouble, like when he steamed the wallpaper off his mother's kitchen when making homemade maple syrup.

Rob was a leader in Venture Crew 783 and enjoyed many scuba diving, canoeing, and backpacking trips with his children and the other scouts. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, reading, fly fishing, relaxing with his pets, and spending vacations and holidays with his family. Rob was famous for his oyster stuffing, and always had something interesting to bring to the table with his knowledge of history, politics, movies, and family stories that others might have forgotten. He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, his adventurous spirit, and his knack for giving everyone he knew a clever nickname (if you know, you know)!

Rob is survived by a loving family including his wife, Beverly Willard (Goodrich) of Annapolis; his son, Michael Willard (and partner Emily Sergo) of Annapolis; his daughter, Caitlyn Willard (and partner Derek Brumbaugh) of Annapolis; his parents, Edward (Ted) and Lorraine Willard of Burlington, VT; his sisters, Susan Willard (and partner Mark Boudette) of Burlington, VT and Annie Willard Mullock of Cape May, NJ; and his brother, Edward (Tad) Willard of Annapolis. He will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews, friends of his children who called him dad, and former scouts, many of whom looked up to him as a mentor and role model. Rob was also fortunate to have many co-workers and neighbors with whom he developed lasting friendships and memories over the years.

A private celebration of life will be held by his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Appalachian Trail Conservancy at https://donate.appalachiantrail.org/default.aspx?tsid=7703