STANLEY WAYNE WILLIAMS

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STANLEY WAYNE WILLIAMS (nah mu ta bit miingan) (Sitting Wolf In The North) Stan passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre, Tuesday afternoon, July 15, 2009, with family by his side and at the age of 58. Beloved husband of Dianne, proud father of Daniel and Dustin. Stan and Dianne had just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary. He was the eldest brother of a large family, leaving behind sisters Darlene (John), Cheryl, Grace, and Doreen; brothers Robert (Judy), Douglas (Ellie), Christopher (Helen), Perry (Cheyenne) and Mel. He was predeceased by his sister Sandra (Richard), his mother Lorette Lavalle and his father Stan Williams Sr. Stan was born in St. Boniface and raised in Winnipeg. He was one of the few aboriginal people at that time who obtained a degree from the school of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. He went on to work for a number of years with the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba in Thompson and Winnipeg. In the past, he was an Elder at Stony Mountain Penitentiary and its Rockwood Institution, introducing countless inmates to the traditional culture he called the Beauty Way. In the present, he held the position of Community Service Worker for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. He chose to dedicate his life to helping others, professionally and personally. He gave back for his good life in countless ways, earning and inspiring love, loyalty and commitment from people in his home community and during his travels across Canada and the U.S. to participate in cultural ceremonies. He was a gifted Medewiwin member of the traditional Ojibway community and held a long term, important role at the annual Sagkeeng Sun Dance. He carried the Wendigokan teaching lodges for his people and was a renowned healer and sweat lodge conductor and a wonderful singer. He welcomed everyone to the ceremonies he led, charming babies and elders alike. His personality, spirit and capacity to love was a gift to all of us. Wherever he went, laughter and smiles and learning followed. The world was a better place in his presence. Thank you to all of his helpers and peers and teachers. In lieu of flowers, donations to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Rm. ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, would be greatly appreciated. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate and acknowledge his life will be held on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway. Parking is limited but the street restrictions have been extended. A reception will follow the service in the funeral home. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery 1 Green Acres Lane, Springfield (204) 222-3241 Hwy #1 inside the Perimeter at Winnipeg Life stories may be shared at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2009