FRANK ERNEST WILLIAMS

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FRANK ERNEST WILLIAMS Canada has lost another Second World War veteran, at dawn, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, when Kathleen came to take Frank's hand to lead him on the path to his eternal home. Frank was born in Winnipeg at the St. Boniface Hospital, on January 1, 1923 to Thomas Percival and Kate Elizabeth Williams. He spent his early years in St. Boniface, Teulon and Carberry. At the age of 17, he enlisted and spent the next five years in the Navy on a corvette in the North Atlantic escorting convoys from North America to Britain. Returning to civilian life, he met Kathleen Glover while singing in St. Margaret's Anglican Church choir. They were married there in 1950 and enjoyed nearly 53 years together. They lived most of those years in Windsor Park, where they raised their four children. Dad worked in automobile sales and then automotive parts sales, travelling from Northwestern Ontario to Saskatchewan for many years. He loved to drive and he loved to travel. Dad and Mom enjoyed many years at their cottage in Victoria Beach, where he added two major additions to the cottage. They enjoyed many summers with their family there. In later years, Frank was a commissionaire at the Kapyong Base and also volunteered driving CancerCare patients to their appointments. Frank loved life and was determined to live to 90 years of age. Frank was generous with his "I love you's" and in recent years, he especially enjoyed and was grateful for any time he spent with family. He loved music, singing, ice cream and anything sweet. He loved going to cheer on his grandkids at their hockey games. He also enjoyed watching baseball, hockey and football. He had a love of all animals, but especially the Cocker Spaniels they raised from puppies. He was a member of the White Ensign and enjoyed getting together with the other members. Frank was predeceased by his grandson Carter Frank Williams, in 1997; wife Kathleen and daughter-in-law Bernice, both in 2003; and by his three brothers: Jim, Ralph and Dave. Frank is survived by children: Ted (Lucille), Gary, Pat (Frank) and Janet (Rob); grandchildren: Laura (Joe), Steven (Ainsley), Mark (Analee), Brent, Amanda, Mitchell (Stephanie), Matthew (Katie), Jennifer; great-granddaughters: Mackenzie, Addison, Zara and Chloe. He is also survived by his only sister Joyce (Glen) Cawker, of Burlington, ON and her family. A special thank you to granddaughter Jennifer, who faithfully visited Grandpa and loved him so dearly. The family would also like to thank the wonderful staff of Tower Seven South at Deer Lodge for their kindness, care and compassion. In keeping with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street, with Jonathan Jandavs-Hedlin officiating. A private interment will be at a future date at Victoria Beach Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in Frank's memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or Deer Lodge Centre. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2016