C. MICHAEL (MIKE) WILLIAMS

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C. MICHAEL (MIKE) WILLIAMS
July 16, 1933 – October 17, 2019

Mike Williams died peacefully on October 17, 2019, surrounded by family and prayer, following a brief illness.
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 61 years, Shirley; three children, Brad Williams (Jasmine Huang), Diane Williams (Patrick Harrison) and Jacqueline Schultz (Richard Schultz); and grandchildren, Peter, David, Lucas, Cody, Hailey, Bennett, Baergen, Haleigh and Graham. Mike is also survived by sisters, Mary Langille (Dan) and Midge Ward (Jim); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mike was predeceased by his twin brother John; and his parents, Ivy and Ned Williams.
Mike was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on July 16, 1933. Mike had a variety of jobs before realizing his dream of being a radio broadcaster. He joined CJRL Radio in Kenora in 1957. He and Shirley married in 1958 and moved to Winnipeg in 1959 when Mike accepted a broadcasting and reporting job at CJOB. Many still remember his beautiful, resonating radio voice. In 1965 Mike joined the Public Relations team at CN Rail, later joining VIA Rail where he worked until his retirement in 1990. During his years of employment with CN Rail/Via Rail the family resided in Winnipeg, Montreal and Edmonton before returning to Winnipeg in 1978. Mike thoroughly enjoyed his career path and made lifelong friends at VIA Rail.
Mike and Shirley shared a life together for over 61 years. His absolute devotion and love for Shirley was an inspiration to all. Spending time with family was Mike's greatest joy. He particularly enjoyed road trips and train travel, charting many adventures for the family. Mike was an involved parent, spending countless hours supporting his children's interests and pursuits. Mike embraced his role as Papa to his nine grandchildren. He was a proud cheerleader, attending countless sports activities, musical recitals and family celebrations.
Mike felt very blessed to be able to retire at the young age of 57. This enabled him to pursue many interests, all with wife Shirley at his side. Mike and Shirley embraced the game of golf in retirement both in Manitoba and Arizona. Mike also became an avid walker and a community volunteer. Together, he and Shirley enjoyed years of travel and winter stays in Arizona, Portugal and Victoria, BC. He also treasured trips to Colorado and Alberta to visit with his children and grandchildren.
Mike was a spiritual man who gave generously of his time to the church. He particularly enjoyed being a licensed lay reader, where he was again able to bless others with his lovely speaking voice. Both Mike and Shirley were active members of St. John's Anglican Cathedral and made many lifelong friendships within their church community. When Mike and Shirley were no longer able to travel to the Cathedral, Mike embraced the opportunity to be a lay reader at their residence at Dakota House.
The family would like to express our most sincere thanks to the staff of Prime, Dakota House and Misericordia Hospital. The family would also like to extend our appreciation to the homecare workers that provided compassion and care over the past year.
In accordance with Mike's wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Mike's life will be held on Monday, October 28, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Anglican Cathedral, 135 Anderson Avenue, with reception to follow.
Flowers are gratefully declined in favour of donations to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2019