JOHN ARTHUR WILLIAMS

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JOHN ARTHUR WILLIAMS On Sunday, May 31 2009 at Victoria Hospital, John Williams passed away peacefully at age 74 with family by his side. John was born November 25, 1934 in Winnipeg to Arthur G. S Williams and Mona E. A. Williams (Grout). As a youth, John excelled at soccer and for many years worked as a paper boy for the Winnipeg Tribune. Immediately upon high school graduation in 1952, John began a long year career with MTS starting in the shop department. He then became an installer of equipment in telephone offices throughout Manitoba - eventually working into a supervisory technician position in the engineering department where he remained until his retirement in 1990. In 1957, John married Elizabeth (Betty) Jackson and over the next 12 years they had four children. Family life was enjoyed with warm evenings at the BDI, trips to Lockport, and summers at Victoria Beach. Retirement pursuits included doting on grandchildren and cats, a passion for model train collecting, breeding tropical fish, traveling and growing his renowned Christmas Santa beard. Highlights included a road trip to California with good friends Joe and Emma Ingenmey, vintage train excursions, and cruises to the Caribbean. A diagnosis of diabetes and then a major stroke slowed John's pace. However his love of train collecting and travel now by scooter remained strong. More recently he was a regular at the Charleswood Adult Day Club where he greatly enjoyed the kind staff and conversation of fellow club participants. John's last months were largely spent at Seven Oaks Hospital battling declining health. John is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Williams, sons Michael (Michelle), Douglas (Rita), Richard (Colleen) and daughter Kathleen (Jody); grandchildren Emma, Thomas, Molly, Hannah and Gabrielle; and sister Margaret Mitchell. He is predeceased by his parents and his beloved aunts Dorothy Hammond and Mabel Snow. The family thanks Dr. Kristjanson and staff of Seven Oaks Hospital for their professionalism and kindness while John was under their care. A Memorial Service and Reception for John will be held at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor on Friday, June 5 at 2:00 pm with a private family internment at Chapel Lawn. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 03, 2009