ARTHUR RAYMOND (RAY) WILLIAMS

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ARTHUR RAYMOND (RAY) WILLIAMS Passed away May 30, 2001 in Vancouver, BC. Born September 8, 1920 in Winnipeg, MB, he was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, Barbara Evlyn (Babs) and by his brothers, Thomas, Norman, Douglas; and niece Elizabeth Richards. Ray is survived by his sister Beryl Richards of Lac Marois, PQ; and his brother Herbert V. Williams of Kelowna, BC; nieces, Janet Barclay, Sheridan Williams and Pamela Sherlock; nephews, Leonard Roy and John, Timothy and Anthony Williams, and Michael, Thomas and Hilary Richards; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Ray served as an officer with the Royal Canadian Navy for several years during the Second World War, mainly on North Atlantic convoy duty. Following the war, Ray enrolled in law school and graduated with his L.L.B. from the University of Manitoba in 1950. He then joined the Canadian National Railroad Legal Department and worked for C.N. for more than 30 years in many executive positions, retiring in 1985 as a Senior Vice President. During his years with C.N., Ray and Babs travelled and lived throughout Canada with postings in Winnipeg, Montreal, Moncton, Toronto and Vancouver. He made many enduring friendships with leaders in the Canadian business and transportation world, also serving as President of the Toronto Board of Trade in the early 1980s. Subsequent to his retirement, Ray was active with the Pacific Basin Economic Council and with the Japanese-Canadian Association, making several trips to Japan during this time. Ray was an avid golfer and was a member of the Shaughnessy Golf Club for many years. He was an active member of St. Chads Anglican Church, serving as warden for several terms. Ray will be greatly missed by his many relatives and friends who are happy only that he is together with Babs again. A memorial service will be held in St. Chads Anglican Church, 23rd and Trafalgar, Vancouver, on Thursday, June 7 at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Lawrence Cheung officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully acknowledged to St. Chads Anglican Church, Vancouver, Wheelchair Access Fund. Kearney (604) 736-0268.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 02, 2001