JOHN HARRY WILLIAMS

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JOHN HARRY WILLIAMS John Harry Williams, surrounded by family, peacefully passed away on October 30, 2014. Johnny lived most of his life in Westchester County, New York. However, he spent a good portion of his last years in Winnipeg. Johnny first came to Canada in 1952 for post-graduate actuarial studies at the University of Manitoba. After the school year, he was asked by his professor, Geoff Crofts, to assist in a project at Great West Life. While there, he received draft notice from the U.S. Army. Geoff persuaded Johnny, on his return from a year in Japan, to finish his post-grad at Occidental College in California. Upon completion of his studies, Johnny returned to New York where he was hired by a small actuarial firm, Terryberry. Johnny spent his entire career with this company which became Coopers & Lybrand and, ultimately, PWC (PriceWaterhouse Coopers). An actuarial consultant, he travelled extensively, consulting for some of the largest companies in the world. Throughout his career, he worked at the firm's head office in New York City. Johnny retired as a Senior Partner of PWC. It was in New York where he and his wife Joan raised their three sons, Steven, Richard and David. There, for many years, he enjoyed golfing as a member of nearby Winged Foot Golf Club, and playing tennis at Orienta Beach Club. After retirement, he and Joan divided their time between New York and Marco Island, Florida. Some time after Joan's passing, Johnny reconnected with Winnipeg. He started a new chapter of his life with Elaine. He was a great partner to her, and they enjoyed wonderful times together. He was a friend to many and Grandpa to Elaine's granddaughters. He became family. While in Winnipeg, Johnny found new passions. Johnny loved everything about Winnipeg, our family, our friends, our neighbourhood. He never complained about the cold or the snow, not even once. He took great interest in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada. He loved to have debates and discussions about the similarities and differences between Canada and the U.S. He took part in and celebrated our Canadian cultural holidays and sports. Despite having never curled (or even seen curling before spending time in Canada), he took up stick curling and became quite accomplished at this new-found sport. In fact, when he wasn't watching the markets on CNBC, if curling was on TV he would rather watch curling than NFL football. In 2013, Johnny, with his curling partner, Warren, enjoyed participating in the Manitoba Championship Bonspiel in Gimli. Johnny also loved playing golf in Winnipeg , especially at Wildewood. While his home golf course of Winged Foot was fairly exclusive with a rich history, he enjoyed playing Wildewood every bit as much. He was passionate about his curling, golfing, lawn bowling, bridge and his many friendships made through these activities. For all too brief a time, Johnny enriched our family life and embraced our friends with his love, caring and joie de-vivre. We are very fortunate to have shared our lives and had such wonderful years with Johnny. Johnny is survived in Winnipeg by Elaine Ryan, Colin, Jenny-Lou, Julia, Stephanie and our extended family, John, Sarah, Marlon, Katie, Tim, Heidi, Maya, Ruth and her family, and by his sons Steven, Richard, David and their families in Massachusetts and New York. John H. Williams was a man for all seasons, a gentleman and a scholar, and will be sorely missed by all who loved and knew him. A private memorial celebration will be held November 22, 2014.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2014