James WILLIAMSON

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WILLIAMSON: James “Ab” Albert passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 20, 2009 at the Souris District Hospital. Ab was born on July 22, 1922 at the Souris hospital, Souris, Manitoba. He was the only child to James and Katherine Williamson. He grew up in Souris enjoying the wonders of a special prairie town. When the 2nd World War came along he joined the RCAF and was posted to England as an airplane mechanic in the 410 Night Fighter Squadron where he was very proud to serve his beloved country alongside his future life long friends. They became a big part of his life and Ab was active in the squadron with his many friends and reunions. After the war he came home to work with his father in his construction business where he learned his trade and eventually took over the business, continuing in the trade he loved until his retirement in 1989. He was always proud of his crew and their work in and on many homes and buildings in the Souris area. He loved his work and serving his customers with the finished work that they were satisfied with and all could cherish. In 1951 Ab married Florence “Flo” Sellers of Bunclody, Manitoba. This union enriched his life with such a special person as Flo and her family and cousins. They had a very special love that was cherished until Flo’s passing in 1992. Ab was a loving, caring and active parent and community member. He loved his curling, his work with Odd Fellows Lodge, along with being a volunteer fire fighter and ambulance driver. He was also active in the United Church. His children, Glen and Gail’s activities and sports were a priority where he was a definite passionate supporter. Later on in life he became an avid supporter of his grandchildren and his friends’ children and grandchildren activities. Ab became very involved in Community Services after his retirement where he connected people and promoted co-operation for ideas and projects both locally and provincially. He served many years on the Board of the Manitoba League for the Handicapped. His influence in the Souris Healthy Community Association helped start the Souris Parent Support Association plus many other projects. He cherished his co-leaders and all the work they did. In 2001 Ab was presented with the “Distinguished Service Award” by the Manitoba Health Services. Ab loved to travel and explore when he could. His passion to learn and broaden his knowledge of people, society and the world never stopped. With pure pride he would drive around Souris and South Western Manitoba watching, absorbing and talking to all that wanted to share time with him. He had passion -passion to live, passion to learn, passion and compassion for people and community life. He cherished dearly all the friends and relatives that he had met throughout his life. Ab is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Gail Williamson, of Brandon, his son, Glen Williamson, and his family Barbara, Christopher, Alexandra and Jordan of Okotoks, Alberta along with his sister in laws Minnie Smith of Souris, Jean Jackson of Brandon and Margaret Sellers of Toronto and their immediate families. Memorial Services were held on February 24 at the St. Paul United Church in Souris Manitoba with Rev. John Oldenkamp officiating. Urn bearer was Grant Arbuckle, and service ushers were Claire Edmunds, Steven Hicks, Morley Smith and Bill Cowan. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation c/o Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home Box 730, Souris, Manitoba, R0K 2C0.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 07, 2009