GERALD (GERRY) BOWEN WILLIAMS F.E.I.C., F.C.A.E., P.

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GERALD (GERRY) BOWEN WILLIAMS F.E.I.C., F.C.A.E., P. Eng Peacefully at the Elizabeth Bruyere Centre, Ottawa, ON, on June 5, 2001, in his 88th year. Dear father of Pat, Bruce, Douglas and his wife Claudette. Predeceased by his beloved wife Alison (Haig) and by his brothers, Leslie, Stanley and Ray Williams of Winnipeg. Loving uncle of Bob Williams of Winnipeg and many other nieces and nephews. Longtime friend and companion to in-laws, Allyn Taylor of London, and Douglas, Doreen and Marion Haig of Victoria. Gerry spent 41 years in public service to Canada as a civil engineer. Starting out in 1935 as a gravel checker with the Manitoba Department of Public Works, he rose to become Chief Engineer for the province. In 1955, he was invited to join the federal Department of Public Works and in 1976 was appointed Deputy Minister. During his time in Public Works, he oversaw many important projects, the one he was proudest of was the building of the Trans-Canada Highway for which he was Chief Engineer. He believed in the importance of community and acted on his beliefs. He served on the boards of the Grace Hospital, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority as well as being a steward of Southminster United Church. He was also a very active member of many professional engineering associations and was proud of being Warden of the Ritual Calling of the Engineer. An enthusiastic golfer, he spent many happy hours with his friends at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club. In private life he was a devoted husband, an exemplary father, a caring friend, and a good neighbour. The family would like to thank all those who helped Gerry in the last years of his long and happy life, especially his caregiver Pierre Mitton, and the staff at Rideau Place and the Elizabeth Bruyere Centre. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation, Box 988, Manotick, ON K4M 1A8 or to Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X1 would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements in care of the Central Chapel of Hulse, Mayfair & McGarry, Ottawa, ON. 1-613-233-1143.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 09, 2001