JOHN

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JOHN McWILLIAMS On June 28, 2003, John McWilliams, beloved husband of Joyce, father of Mary (Simeonidis) and grandfather of Barbara (Boyd) and David, passed away. John is also survived by his sister Margaret; nieces, Karen and Marnie; nephews, Nevin, Bruce, Bob, Bill, Jim; and their families. John will also be missed by Joyces family: sons, Scott, Greg (Janice) and their families. Marys mother Jean Robertson and Barbara and Davids father, Fred Simeonidis also survive John. He was predeceased by his parents, Nevin and Mary; sister Flora; brothers, Thompson, Archie, their wives Bea and Maxine; and Johns companion Ivy MacPherson. John was born in Winnipeg on April 11, 1917. He attended Principal Sparling, General Wolfe and Daniel McIntyre schools. At Wesley College he excelled in academics and sports. He graduated in 1937 and began his career at North West Commercial Travellers Association of Canada as General Manager and Secretary. Before retiring at age 70, John researched and wrote a book commemorating N.W.C.T.A.s 100th Anniversary. Throughout his life, John was active in many Winnipeg service organizations; the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Winnipeg serving as president of both; the Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation and the Manitoba Travel and Convention Association as a director. He always promoted higher education. He served many years on the University of Winnipegs Board of Regents, and as chairman of the Assiniboine South School Board. He continued studying in his later years, learning French, completing Masters Degree work in history, and taking a theology course from the late Carl Ridd. John continued attending First Presbyterian Church, where his parents were members. An avid sports enthusiast, John played soccer, basketball, curled and as a member of Pine Ridge and Niakwa Country Clubs, golfed for over 50 years. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Winnipeg. For many years, he was a Blue Bomber season ticket holder and he always enjoyed watching sports on T.V. John spent winters in Mesa, AZ and summers at lakes in Manitoba and Ontario. He liked swimming, gardening, biking, walking, reading, music and playing bridge. John made many friends throughout the years. He planned and celebrated reunions with his classmates from Daniel Mac and Wesley College. As a father, grandfather and uncle, John enriched the lives of his family with his generosity, wisdom, guidance and fun loving spirit. Our memories of him will be treasured and he will be fondly remembered. A memorial service will be held on July 3 at 4:00 p.m. at Thomson Funeral Chapels, 669 Broadway. Cremation has taken place. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. THOMSON Funeral Chapels - 669 Broadway - 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 02, 2003