HERBERT VIVIAN (HERB) WILLIAMS

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HERBERT VIVIAN (HERB) WILLIAMS Herbert Vivian (Herb) Williams died peacefully in Kelowna General Hospital on April 6, 2004. He was born in Winnipeg on August 31, 1917, the fifth of six children born to Thomas and Elizabeth Williams. Herb grew up in Winnipeg where he attended the University of Manitoba, graduating with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce degrees. While still at university, he joined The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada as a salesman, and subsequently as a manager, he was affiliated with that company for 60 years. A leader in his field, he was a past President of The Life Underwriters Association of Canada (now known as Advocis), an honourary life member of The Million Dollar Round Table and author of a book on Registered Retirement Savings Plans entitled "A Valuable Tax Concession". Known in the Life Insurance industry across Canada for his innovative ideas, he was a sought-after speaker and a mentor to many young people entering the business. He was an enthusiastic tennis and card player, curler, golfer, skier and boater. With his family, he spent many happy times at the cottage on The Lake of the Woods in Ontario. Herb and his wife Joan moved to Kelowna, BC in 1975 where he continued his business, his volunteer work and where he was a major fundraiser to help start the Sunshine Theatre Company, the first professional theatre company in the Okanagan Valley. He was a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International and a member of The Probus Club of Kelowna. Predeceased by his parents, brothers, Thomas, Douglas, Norman and Raymond; he is survived by his loving wife Joan, three children, John (Marlayne) of Sechelt, BC, Pamela Sherlock (William) of Kelowna and Timothy of Toronto, ON; three grandchildren, Claire Williams (Shane) and Joel Sherlock of Kelowna, and Jesse Sherlock of Vancouver; a sister Beryl Richards of Montreal; and Marcus Young, a special friend through Big Brothers Association. Herbs life was characterized by love of family, integrity in business and service to his community. He will be sadly missed. "Goodnight sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." (Hamlet, Act V, scene II) A memorial service will be held at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Sutherland Avenue and Richter Street in Kelowna on April 13 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, 2268 Pandosy St., Kelowna, BC or to The Sunshine Theatre Society, 5-1304 Ellis St., Kelowna, BC.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 10, 2004