J. DENNIS WILLIAMS

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J. DENNIS WILLIAMS August 10, 1935 - March 3, 2007 Peacefully and comfortably at the Riverview Health Centre Dennis reached the end of his two year journey with cancer at the age of 71 and one-half years. Dennis was surrounded by his family at his passing. This journey included every possible treatment available as he was not going to succumb without the fight of his life. His fight included waiting for his daughter to arrive from the USA just nine hours prior to his death. Dennis is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 48 years Audrey, his son Glenn of Winnipeg and daughter Nancy (Rob Scheiring) of Longmeadow, Massachusetts; his grand-children, Eric, Marc, Meredith, Ellen and Natalie. As well, Dennis is survived by his brother Jim Murray (Peggy Nichols) of Minnedosa, Manitoba, his sister Denise Williams (Roger Pinter) of West Kissimmee, Florida and his brother Robin Bert Williams of Ingersoll, Ontario. Dennis was predeceased by his loving parents Margaret and Sandy Murray. Dennis was born in Winnipeg and grew up in East Kildonan. He started work at The Canadian Wheat Board as an office boy and then after stints at various jobs ended up at James B. Carter (later Temro Automotive) where he worked in the Data Processing department as a board wirer and over 29 years of service ended his career as Director, M.I.S. The consummate entrepreneur Dennis was involved in sidelines most of his life starting with a retail paint and decorating business on Nairn Avenue called Decor 8. After selling this he purchased a clothing store at Clear Lake, Manitoba called Clear Lake Summer Fashions which he and Audrey owned for 25 years. During this time he also purchased a neighbouring gift store and converted it to a clothing store and named in Peachtree Boutique. In Winnipeg, Dennis also sold blinds and window coverings and was involved with Team Promotions which gave him a sense of being needed which assisted him with his mental outlook throughout his battle. The family wants to thank Edith Booth and the entire staff for their patience and support. Dennis had many interests including coaching hockey at Harrow and Crescentwood Community clubs where he coached many teams for over 25 years. He was known as Punch (Imlach) from the Fedora and coat he wore to the games. Further, Dennis had a love for golf and played 100s of games over the past 50 years at his favourite Wasagaming Golf Course at Clear Lake, Manitoba. Even with his deteriorating health he would still join his friends and ride the round in a golf cart to be part of the activity. Dennis cherished the friendships he made and words cannot describe the enjoyment he had organizing tee times, games and lunch afterwards. These were some of the best years of his life. The family would like to thank all of his friends for their love and companionship over the many years. Some of these special friends include Jack Matty Matheson, Bob Cornell, Orv Vickars, Merv Dillabough and John Paddock. There will never be another Peewee . Dennis enjoyed his winters in West Kissimmee, Florida where he made many friendships over the past 11 years at the Sherwood Forest RV Park. The kindness and assistance provided by all of his friends at the Park during his battle will be cherished forever. Dennis was in Florida right up until February 22, 2007 as he was determined to not break the annual winter tradition of spending this time with his friends. The family would like to especially thank Dennis' nephew Dr. Barry Campbell and his wife Charisse for their commitment to Dennis throughout his fight. As well, the family would like to thank Dr. G. Schroeder and Dr. S. Navaratnam of CancerCare Manitoba for their care and dedication to Dennis' well being. As well the family would like to thank Dr. C. Woo of the Woo Medical Centre for his care of Dennis over the years. In addition, the family would like to thank the staff of the Riverview Health Centre for the compassion and kindness offered to Dennis for the nine days prior to his death. Active pallbearers for the funeral are Jim Jorgenson, Larry Calen, Jack Matheson and Ron Morrison. Honorary pallbearers are Leif Gottfredsen, Tom Starr, Orv Vickars, Pat Mann, Merv Dillabough, Ted Knight, John Paddock, Bob Cornell and John Mullan. A celebration of Dennis' life will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Assiniboia Christian Centre, 3390 Portage Avenue West, Winnipeg, Manitoba. A private burial will take place immediately after the service. Donations in memory of Dennis may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2L 1X3. Messages of condolence may be sent to westwater@shaw.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home in care of arrangements, ph. 885-9715.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2007