It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Bob Williams after a long and hard fought battle with cancer on Friday September 25, 2020.
Bob was born the eldest of four sons to Don and Hazel Williams in St. Thomas, ON on May 18, 1947. As a young boy, he always loved the great outdoors and knew that he wanted a career as a conservation officer. After completing his basic education, he enrolled in the Ontario Forestry School, Dorset, ON graduating in 1967. He was then hired as a technician with Ontario Lands & Forests in Kenora and later as a Conservation Officer transferring to Dryden MNR in 1972. After thirty years of service, Bob retired in September 1997. With a keen interest in horticulture, he was able to embark on a second career and worked at Schmidt’s Greenhouse for 17 seasons. His beautiful backyard garden was lovingly grown and expanded each year. He generously shared his bounty and gardening knowledge with family and friends.
In 1996, Bob met the love of his life, Bet Ernewein and they married on July 18, 1998 and Bob became a father and grandfather all in one step. Bob and Bet spent 17 years wintering in Mesa, AZ where they made many new friends and enjoyed attending musical concerts and movies. Bob enjoyed weekly hikes in the mountains in AZ and his many interests included reading, cooking, photography, music and vintage cars and for many years owned a 1965 Studebaker. His favourite motto was “Stay Curious”. Bob and Bet loved to travel and were fortunate enough to visit and tour parts of Europe and visits with the Danish Williams family, as well as travelling through Canada, USA, Cuba & Hawaii.
Bob is survived by his wife Bet, stepchildren; Liska Stafford (Russ), Patrick McArthur (Monique) and Lindsey Dwojak (James) of Yellowknife, NT, grandchldren; Meghan Gilbert (Micky), Gabbie (Jason Pitts), Nick and Taylor McArthur, Dylan and Damon Dwojak, great grandchildren; Levi and Sawyer Gilbert, Caleb and Quinn Pitts, Brynlee and Leighton McArthur and brother Glen Williams (Rae Ann) of St. Thomas, ON. Bob was predeceased by his parents Don and Hazel Williams, brother Paul and Susanne Williams of Denmark and Steve Williams of Sarnia, ON and nephew Dereck Williams.
The family would like to thank Dr. Doiron, Dr. J. DelPaggio, nurses and staff of Para Med and the oncology nurses at Dryden Hospital for your wonderful and professional care. We are also grateful to the many friends for their phone calls, cards, messages, food and help.
A Private Family Service will be held at a later date.
If friends so desire donations may be made to DRHC Oncology Unit through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
