"He was a good word guy. He had a good sense of humor," said Mike Wolcott, editor of the Chico Enterprise-Record, who worked with Willis. "You could have taken Tim and put him in any newsroom and would be a good fit."
Paying tribute on RIP.ie, Athletics Ireland CEO Hamish Adams said: "On behalf of all the Athletics Ireland family I express our sincere condolences to the Mawdsley family. Sharlene, we are here to support you during this difficult period and our thoughts and prayers are with you."