WILLIAMS, Donald Harry (Sept. 26, 1935 Calgary – Oct. 24, 2018 Calgary). It is with saddened hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Donnie at 83 years of age. Born to Harry and Olive Williams, he grew up in Tuxedo Park where his love for sports saw him in local fields and rinks through most hours of the day. He attended Crescent Heights High School and later played for the Calgary Bronks Junior Football Club which won the Western Canada Championship. (He was named rookie of the year.) His love for sports and community saw him become a successful teacher, administrator, and ultimately the Supervisor of Physical Education for the Calgary Board of Education. With a B.Ed. from the University of Calgary and an M.Ed. from the University of Alberta, Donnie was featured in a book highlighting the 50 best teachers from Alberta, with an accompanying plaque hung at AE Cross Junior High School. He often spoke fondly of his time at recreation leadership school, of his experiences as the Director of Kamp Kiwanis, and his work with HPEC, CAHPER, and CIRA. He was an experienced and talented educator whose work resulted in numerous awards including the first HPEC Distinguished Service Award, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, Provincial Anniversary Medal, Robert Routledge Memorial Award, and Rotary Integrity Award.

Donnie held a love for music which began with an appreciation for the ukulele, and evolved into his mastery of several other instruments. He played guitar, banjo, autoharp, dulcimer, violin, and upright bass, teaching others to play several of the instruments in formal classes, groups, or around the living room coffee table. In his retirement, he loved to play with the Prairie Mountain Fiddlers, his Tuesday Jam group, the Men’s Folk Singers, and the Foothills Acoustic Music Institute. In all aspects of his life he espoused leadership, serving as president of several groups to which he belonged and mentoring others to enhance their success. He loved to connect with others and had an amazing memory for names and faces… and a good joke.

Donnie was blessed to have married Avis and spent the last 35 years of his life with her in travel, laughter, love, and great friendship. Predeceased by his father (Harry), sister (Sharon), and first wife (Audrey), he is survived by a large and supportive family including his mother (Olive), sisters Joyce (Mert), Lois, and brothers Keith (Carol) and Tig (Carol). He is also survived by his children Lorne (Wendy), John (Jenny), Christie (Jim), Leanne (Richard), and Cameron (Melody), as well as thirteen grandchildren: Andrew, Jaeden, Donovan, Joseph, Bobby, Emilea, Connor, Jameson, Travis, Tara, Teagan, Kimberly, and Kelsey. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Association of Alberta or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. A Celebration of Life honouring Don will be held on November 4, 2018 from 2:00-5:00 pm, at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel (1316 33 Street NE, Calgary).

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Donald please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.