It has just been announced that Wiarton Willie, the 13 year old albino groundhog, has died. He lived a long life, being well cared for in his enclosure at the Bluewater Park. Wiarton Willie was an albino groundhog whose image is everywhere in this small town on the Bruce Peninsula. And every year, on Groundhog Day, the town welcomes hundreds of people who come to meet him and enjoy the festivities as he is brought out of hibernation to see - or not - his shadow and give his forecast whether there will be six more weeks of winter. 
there will be a memorial service and funeral procession on September 30th after which his understudy, Wee Willie, will take up the mantle of Chief Prognosticator.
sharing with signs, signs
Sorry to learn of the passing of Wiarton Willie, but good to know that he has a replacement groundhog in the wings to take his place.
ReplyDeleteWiarton learned then hard way to be prepared. Back in '99, another Willie was found dead in his burrow just days before Feb 2nd.
DeleteI never knew him, but what a great character!
ReplyDeleteall the best to Wee Willie!
The town has really embraced him!
Delete...I am so sorry to hear of Wiarton Willie's passing, I'll keep him in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is why I didn't see him when I was up there last Friday?
DeleteSo sorry but his memory lives on
ReplyDeleteMB
as long as there is a Groundhog Day...
DeleteHe lived a good long time!
ReplyDeletehe certainly did. most live only 4 years in the wild.
DeleteSorry to learn of his passing - it is obvious he will be remembered fondly by many.
ReplyDeletehe apparently quite liked being the centre of attention
DeleteAww! I wonder what our descendants will think of our belief in the ground hog? I imagine they'll say we were incredibly superstitious.
ReplyDeleteor incredibly gullible!
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