Desmond Williams

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Desmond Arnold Williams; Arnie to most. Dad had just celebrated his 91st birthday. He had been living at the Park Place Cerwydden Seniors Home in Duncan for some years and passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10th,2014.

Dad was born in Duncan on October 16, 1923 to Ivy and Arthur Williams, the youngest of four children. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Marguerite, and youngest daughter Sharon Douglas. He is survived by daughter, Linda Braithwaite and son, Bob Williams (Deb), all of Nanaimo. Arnie was blessed with 6 grandchildren, 2 step grandsons and numerous very special great grandchildren. He was raised in the Cowichan Valley and in his youth did many different types of work. His most lasting work was for Mr. Phillips at the Bicycle Shop. He joined the Navy during WW2, and at the end of the war, he married Marguerite Ford. Dad eventually purchased and ran Williams Bicycle and Sporting Goods Store with Mom by his side, for the duration of their children’s growing-up years. Following the marriage of their youngest child, Mom and Dad retired and moved to the interior of BC. They spent many happy years there, returning to this area when Mom’s health started failing. He was a past member, and past President of the Cowichan Fish and Game Association which he really enjoyed, and a member and past President of the Jaycees of Duncan.

A special thanks to Dr. Glenn Robinson and the wonderful staff at Park Place Cerwydden for their continued care of Dad over the years.

A Memorial Tea in Dad’s memory will be held at First Memorial Funeral Service in the Heritage Hall, 375 Brae Road, Duncan Friday, November 21st at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favourite charity, or the Alzheimer’s Society, would be much appreciated.