Michael David Williams

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, brother, and father, Michael . Born in Wales to Griffith and Catherine Williams, he was the youngest of 4 children. Growing up he spent his summers at the ocean with his cousins, catching crayfish and exploring.

He moved to Canada with his young family and settled first in Calgary and later in Fernie. Over his lifetime, he worked for a number of different Ford dealerships as a parts person. In the mid-eighties, he relocated to Pincher Creek, Alberta, where he started a new life and met his present wife, Irma. His job then took them to Vancouver Island where he worked until he retired.

Mike was a fantastic bowler and loved to spend time fishing, crabbing, and walking on the beaches. He was an avid card player and enjoyed watching movies, listening to music, playing and working on the computer. He could really cut up the dance floor. Always up to mischief, Mike was known for his sparkling wit and always kept you on your toes. He kept his family close in his heart and loved every call and visit from them.

He was predeceased by his parents Griffith and Catherine, his brother Douglas and sister Nancy, his niece Anita, and his brothers-in-law Raymond

and Bert.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Irma, his son Marty (Kelly) Williams and their children Rhys and Ryan Grace, his daughter Julie Williams and her children Callum and Morgan, his step daughter Joanne Verbaas and her children Jesse and Kaelynne, and his step daughter Evelyn (Cody) Huseby and their children Riese and Catlen, his sister Beryl and her son Michael, his nieces Jan, Lynda and Sandra.

He will also by greatly missed by his extended family and a host of long-time friends.

Mike and his family are grateful for the love and support they received from their new friends and members of the ALS support group, and the ALS Society of BC.

At Mike's request, there will be no memorial, but a simple gathering of immediate family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Society of BC.

Below are the words Mike penned to raise awareness of the devastation ALS causes the victims and their families.

Death Row or ALS? By Mike Williams

The sentence has been passed. Doesn't matter how you got here...doesn't matter what you've done to get to this point. How much you have fought...or will fight. The ruling has been given. It's death row for you whether you like it or not.

Living with ALS is like you are that death row inmate. All you have is time. Time to wait...time to think...time to be angry...time to just watch the clock. But where that inmate can leave his cell, go to the yard, and smell that fresh air, ALS leaves you trapped in the prison of your own body. Unable to walk. Unable to move. Unable to taste the freedom of that simple pleasure of having the choice to go to the yard...or not.

That inmate gets to talk with other inmates, share their life and experiences. ALS has robbed me of my voice like a cruel jailor who has put me in solitary with my own thoughts, unable to give my words to those I love. Even the simple act of sitting for a meal in the canteen. That inmate gets that freedom. ALS only gives me the choice of a feeding tube...or no food at all...as it cruelly wastes my body.

But there is hope for that inmate. They can be granted that last-minute reprieve from the governor, staying the execution order. Giving back that hope...that spark...of life. To keep on going. ALS does not allow that hopeful whisper. Instead, it says “Sometime. Maybe today or maybe tomorrow you will be executed by me.” There is no reprieve. There is no mercy. You know it's coming...you just don't know when. It is the waiting that feeds the monster that is ALS.

Which would you rather be? The inmate or the one who really has the death sentence? Those of us who live with ALS and their families need support to end this awful disease. This is why I am sharing with you what it is to live and die with ALS.