Alan Williams
At age 53, Alan Williams peacefully passed away the evening of May 8, 2014, at Atikokan General Hospital. His last days were spent surrounded by family, and his final hours nestled in the arms of his loving wife.
Alan was born on June 12, 1960, in Gateshead, England. He moved throughout the country several times with his family over the next 12 years, including a year spent in Sierra Leone, Africa. In 1973, the family immigrated to Canada and settled in Atikokan, Ontario, where he remained until his passing. After high school, he worked at Caland Ore in 1979, and he did a little EFF fire fighting before getting hired at IGA in 1982. He remained in the grocery business and was produce manager of Atikokan Foodland at the time of his death.
Alan married his wife of 30+ years, Annette, on September 10, 1983, and enjoyed many blessings over the years. Time spent together was always special, whether it be travelling the world or canoeing the local lakes. Moments spent with the children in his life were most cherished, laughs with family and friends treasured, and doing a good job and pleasing his customers always important.
He was involved with various clubs, groups, and organizations throughout his lifetime, serving on many commitees and contributing willingly to his community.
An avid sportsman, Alan played soccer and volleyball in his younger days, moved on to bowling and curling, and enjoyed golf and darts up to his passing.
A very active member of the Masonic Lodge since joining in 1990, he served as Master for two 2-year terms, and was secretary for the DDGM which lead to him being appointed as Grand Tyler in 2009. A member of high standing, his dedication and involvement went far beyond the local Atikokan Lodge 668.
He was a longstanding member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was proud to represent the local branch at District Dart Tournaments on several occasions.
He did everything from being a Big Brother to serving on the Chamber of Commerce, he played games from horseshoes to cards, had hobbies from bird watching to coin collecting, and enjoyed music from Bob Marley to Luciano Pavarotti. His interests were vast, his thirst for knowledge never ending, and his wit always present. He had a full life, well lived, although far too short. Alan was a son, brother, husband, uncle, friend and so much more who was dearly loved and will be missed by many.
Alan was predeceased by parents John & Mary Williams, and father-in-law, Martin Ellek. He is survived by wife AJ Williams; brother John (Dianne) Williams; sister Carol McDermid; mother-in-law Ruby Ellek; brother-in-law Burleigh (Cyndy) Ellek; sisters-in-law Karen (Paul) Coulombe and Tracey Ellek; nieces Mindy (Naman) Budhdeo, Erin (Cory) Williams, Katie Coulombe, Hannan and Sarah McDermid; and nephews Jesse Coulombe, Tyler (Taylor) Williams, and Morgan McDermid; and great-nephew Tate Budhdeo. He is also survived by the Rob Zacharias and Mark Labossiere families, affectionately known as best mates and family.
Alan was honoured by family and friends at a memorial service on May 17, officiated by Pastor Lynne Dimma, at the Royal Canadian Legion with interment in Little Falls Cemetery in Atikokan.
In memoriam donations are appreciated and may be made to Atikokan General Hospital, 120 Dorothy Street, Atikokan, Ontario P0T 1C0.
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