Colin Barns Willmott

Colin Barns Willmott of Buffalo Grove, Illinois passed away on December 10, 2024 at the age of 89. Colin was born on August 23, 1935 in London, England. After surviving the Blitz during World War II, in which he was evacuated twice along with his siblings to the English countryside, his family moved to Cardston, Alberta in 1947. After attending Cardston High School, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1954-1957. Following his military service, Colin worked on radar systems of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line north of the Arctic Circle from 1957-1959. Colin moved to Chicago in 1959 and worked as an electrical engineer at the Chamberlain Group (formerly Perma Power) for 59 years from 1961 to 2020. While at Chamberlain, Colin was integral in the development of the life-saving infrared “electric eye” sensors used with garage door openers as well as the corresponding advances in state and federal safety laws for garage door openers. Colin was also involved in other organizations related to the development and safety of garage door openers, including Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), UL, and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For many years, Colin led the rulemaking committee at the IEC concerning international standards for garage door openers. Colin held over 100 patents as a result of his work at Chamberlain and was known in the industry as “Mr. GDO” for his association with all things related to garage door openers.

Colin enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, tinkering with gadgets, and spending time with his expanding family.

Colin is survived by his wife of 49 years, Babette Willmott, nee Larson; children Colin (Chelsea) Willmott of Chicago, IL, Christine (Ryan) Mowbray of Stoughton, WI, Jessica Willmott of Harriman, TN, and Philip (Kenandra) Willmott of San Jose, CA; and grandchildren Travis, Madison, Benjamin, Frances, and Colin Frederick. Colin is also survived by his twin brother David (Evelyn) Willmott of Carmichael, CA and sister Ann (Jay) Swenson of Boise, ID as well as many nieces and nephews.

Colin was preceded in death by his parents David Willmott and Celia Willmott, nee Barns, and sister Frances Powlesland.

No funeral services will be held at this time.

Donations to the American Cancer Society in Colin’s name are appreciated.