Christopher Sherwood Williams

He was born on Christmas day, 1957, to Irene and Ted Williams in Aylmer, Quebec.

Chris graduated from the University of British Columbia and the BC Institute of Technology in 1981 with a teaching degree in shop and math. He began his career two years later in Clearwater, BC, teaching automotive classes, as well as woodwork, math, science, tech, and athletics. He moved to Chilliwack in 1987 and spent 26 years at Sardis Secondary, retiring in 2015.

Throughout his life, Chris always had an enthusiasm for sports. He grew up playing soccer, basketball, and hardball as a kid, and played forward for the UBC junior varsity basketball team in college. As a teacher, he turned his love of sports into coaching, leading the Sardis Falcons in basketball and golf. He was the athletic director at Sardis Secondary for many years, and served as the President of the Fraser Valley East High School Sports Association.

In 1993, Chris co-founded the BC Secondary School Motorsports Association, a program that gave high school students the opportunity to build and race drag cars. The program was the first of its kind in North America, and had more than 50 schools participating by its fifth year.

Outside of his role as a teacher, Chris was a great lover of animals, especially golden retrievers. He was an avid woodworker, and spent many weekends salmon fishing off Vancouver Island.

The most enduring passion of his life was Canim Lake, and the cabin he spent most of his adult life building and tending. Chris and his family spent every summer at the cabin, and many friends spent long weekends there with the family. Neighbours referred to his property as “Chris’ Park.” After retirement, Chris spent nearly all of his time at Canim Lake, until he was forced to sell the property due to his declining health.

Chris is survived by his sons Brett (Grace), Matt (Erin) and Grant, and his grandchildren Claire and Luke. He was predeceased by his mother Irene, his father Ted, and his brother David.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chris’ name to the BC SPCA.