Thomas Bernard Williams

It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Thomas Bernard Williams on December 31, 2023 at the age of 84. He was surrounded by love at the time of his passing by his wife, Marcia and family.

He was predeceased by his father, Carl Williams and his mother, Thora (Thomas) Williams. Thomas was the youngest of three children and is predeceased by his brothers Lloyd and Harry. Thomas is survived by his loving family; “forever sweetheart” Marcia (of 57 years), daughter Laura Norman (Greg), son Dean Williams, granddaughter Aynsley Norman, niece Deanna Whiteside and her children Makyla and Justine Beaulne, nephew Michael Whiteside (Michelle) and their children Ryley and Lakyn, family and friends.

Thomas was born in Burnaby, BC but spent a period of his childhood in Glidden, Saskatchewan before settling with his family in Richmond, BC. He would share memories of running across the grassy plains of Saskatchewan, chasing the prairie dogs that darted in and out of their burrows. After graduating from Richmond High School, Thomas attended UBC earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1963 and his Masters of Social Work in 1968.

His work accomplishments were many over the years. Thomas began his career in Corrections working at the British Columbia Penitentiary in New Westminster. He went on to work in probation services before relocating to Hamilton, Ontario where he worked for the John Howard Society aiding prisoners and ex-convicts in rehabilitation and reintegration following their release. Following his relocation to Nanaimo, he worked at Brannen Lake, Guthrie Centre and as district supervisor and area manager, family and child protection before retiring in 1997.

Thomas enjoyed a successful career and made many lifelong friends.

Thomas spent time as a teenager on the gymnastics team at Richmond High School. He enjoyed hiking, canoeing and exploring the trails of Linley Valley with his beloved Vizsla, Zak. He coached his son Dean in softball and his daughter Laura in both soccer and softball.

Thomas found a lot of joy watching his granddaughter, Aynsley compete in track and field and soccer. His enthusiasm for sports continued into his adulthood, enjoying curling, lawn bowling, becoming an avid tennis player and taking part in National tournaments directing sight impaired lawn bowlers. Thomas would never miss a good boxing match, tennis tournament or the annual Kentucky Derby. He was lifting weights, playing tennis and walking on his treadmill well into his 80’s. Thomas will always be remembered as a voracious reader and a music and movie enthusiast.

In retirement, he and Marcia enjoyed years of traveling the world together, including wintering in Arizona and traveling on numerous cruises. Some of their most memorable trips were exploring Eastern Europe, Great Britain and New Zealand.

Thomas was an exceptional man who possessed endless energy and an enthusiasm for life, seeing the bright side of every situation and finding joy in the simple things. He was an intellectual and life long learner who was inspired by new challenges and opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills. He always had a project on the go whether it was the cabin on Sproat Lake that he built in the early 80’s, designing a home in Nanaimo for himself and Marcia, constructing a beautiful hillside terraced backyard garden and many woodworking projects like: morris chairs, tables, mission clocks, jewelry boxes and a sabot. All of these magnificent creations are a true testament to his creativity and his meticulous attention to detail.

Thomas was given a tough fight, he endured more than his share of medical challenges. He fought hard and soldiered on with a strong positive attitude. His remarkable courage to face any challenges is reflected in his incredible strength of character.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Fukunaga, the doctors and nurses at NRGH Emergency and Dr. Otte and the Palliative care team for their kindness and caring.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to a charity of your choice. A celebration of Thomas’s life will be held in the spring.

~A person is only gone when there is no one left to remember them and their love. Thomas is alive in all of our hearts.

Bless you, Tom.