Mr. John Charles Williams

Obituary

John Charles Williams, CD, June 4. 1922 – March 19, 2014 Son of the late Bessie Williams (nee MacGillivary) 1892 – 1971 and John Parker Williams 1889 – 1960 Big brother to the late Elizabeth “Girlie” Murray (nee Williams) 1924 – 2003 and brother in law to the late Louis Murray, 1915 – 2006. Survived by his nieces and nephews Margaret, Elizabeth, Gregory, and Stephen. Fondly remembered by Ellery Butula and John Fahie. Uncle John to Sue and Russell Revie and their children Cameron, Tara, and Gillian. Also missed by his many nieces and nephews. John was born in Toronto where he attended St Anthony's School and Bloor Collegiate Institute. When he was 16 years old he tried to enlist for the Spanish Civil War. With the outbreak of the Second World War he volunteered 5 times being rejected each time on medical grounds. Finally he was called up in last month of the war. But never served. Later John enlisted in the Militia as a Piper serving17 years first in the Toronto Scottish Regiment and then the 48th Highlanders of Canada. For his long service he was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration. John worked for many years as a salesman, travelling all over Southern Ontario and the United States. He retired in 1986. John also travelled to New Orleans over the years. He love the jazz culture and became acquainted many of the jazz greats of the 1960's. Later John travelled to London each year and fell in love with that great city. He made many friends there and was known as “Canadian John”. He was a voracious reader and a great storyteller, he would regale his family and friends with his story's and the finer historical points of some subject. He had a colourful life at times. Having tea with The Grand Duchess Olga of Russia or a drink with Louis Armstrong, or having rooms opened at Windsor Castle for his nephew to see. He lived with the Reevie Family for over 40 years in Caledon. He will be missed by the kids and the little ones who played with delight at his feet. For the Murray Family he was “Uncle” or “Unc”, the third parent, always there. He was close to his sister and bestowed the lifelong nickname “Girlie” on her. Keeper of the family history, he imparted it to all. He was a very proud Canadian and proud of his Scottish, English “Cornish” and Irish roots. He will be especially missed by his nephew Stephen. John lived a wonderfully long life. It was not without its trials and lost loves. But he lived it on his terms. Right to the end he enjoyed a good book, smoked his pipe, drank some wine and told a story. May he rest in God's love and peace. Visitation Sunday March 23 2014 from 2-5 p.m.at the Cardinal Funeral Home 366 Bathurst St. Toronto. Mass St. Peters Roman Catholic Church Interment Mount Hope Cemetery In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Imperial War Museum, Development Office, IWM, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, UK (www.iwm.org.uk) or to a Public Library of your choice.

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Burial / Entombment / Cremation