Edward "Tom" Thomas Williams

Tom Williams was born in Toronto, Ontario on September 11, 1932 to parents Edward Williams and Marie Williams (Donnelly). He grew up in Toronto along with siblings Brian (Carol Ann) and Elizabeth (Robert). He attended St. Michael’s College in Toronto and the University of Toronto graduating in 1953. He began his journalism career in northern Ontario for the Atikoken Progress before moving back to Toronto to work for The Canadian Press where he met and married Joyce (Lalonde) May 17, 1958. Together they had three children, Brian (Shelagh), Leslie (Dave) and Robert. Tom was open to challenges which also encouraged many career moves. He worked for The Canadian Press in Toronto, Winnipeg and back to Toronto before they moved to London, Ontario when he worked for the London Free Press and then back to Toronto with the Toronto Star. He was hired again with The Canadian Press and moved his family to Vancouver in 1970. Upon leaving The CP Vancouver bureau he pursued public relations positions with a variety of companies including Crown Zellerbach, ICBC, MacMillan Bloedel, followed with freelance work with various public relations firms. He and Joyce returned to Ontario in 1983 where he continued his freelance career in public relations in Toronto. He was hired by Fletcher Challenge Canada in Vancouver so he and Joyce returned in 1989 and he continued to work for them until he retired in 1997.

Tom had a thirst for learning and researching and always had his nose in a book. He enjoyed travel, golf, art, and was passionate about baseball (New York Yankees fan until the Toronto Blue Jays were formed). He continued to play recreation baseball into his mid-70’s on several teams: Court Jesters, the Dogwood Seniors baseball league as well as the championship team, Perogy Power.

Tom enjoyed getting together with his family whom he loved dearly. He will be greatly missed by grandchildren Daniel (Keira), Elyse (Mike), Jacqueline (Cameron), Amanda, Kathleen, as well as great grandchild Violet.

Tom passed peacefully at the Christine Morrison Mission Hospice on July 31, 2023. His wishes were for cremation and no service. The immediate family will be gathering for a celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations could be made to:

http://www.missionhospice.bc.ca/about/christine-morrison-hospice/

https://www.cnib.ca/en?region=bc