John Herbert Williams

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Herbert Williams, at the age of 97. John (known as Jack) was born in Spalding, SK on July 1, 1929, the oldest of 6 siblings.

He will be sadly missed by his four daughters: Loretta (Robert) Houben and first grandson Matthew; Leona Williams (and grandsons Colin and Paul); Marlene (Dan) Morgan; and Marie (Robert) Braun (and granddaughter Ashley and grandson James).

His wife, Susan (known as Susie), followed him in death only 6 days later, so they are reunited with Jesus Christ forever in Heaven.

Jack was a firm believer in Christ and came to know Him at a young age at a camp meeting in Portland, OR. He also met his future wife, Susan (nee Brutke), in Oregon. After a whirlwind romance, and a garden wedding on September 3, 1955, they began married life in a small apartment on W 12th Avenue in Vancouver, and over the years upgraded to many homes, eventually living on Monmouth Ave for 35 years until downsizing in Burnaby BC, where they were condo owners for 28 more years.

Jack was a hard worker all his life as a forklift driver at Glidden Paint Company in Burnaby. He had to take early retirement at age 60 due to the company becoming unionized. This was a big disappointment but due to his wife’s careful planning, his company pension outlasted (37 years!) the total length of years he spent at Glidden.

Jack and Susie enjoyed taking road trips, so Jack’s retirement years were spent driving to various places such as Manning Park, Tofino, Ucluelet, the Oregon Coast, and going on many picnics. He was also a great handyman and found many projects to work on in his daughter’s homes, and in the Cottonwood Condo where he enjoyed getting to know his many neighbours.

Another of Jack’s delights was serving his little church, the Apostolic Faith, at the corner of Kingsway and Rupert. He enjoyed singing in the choir. He was an usher at the front door every Sunday for over 60 years, with a warm welcome for all. He kept the tract room in order, and the tract rack well supplied.

When Jack became blind in 2013, he depended on his dear wife and her help. Although this was a great disability, Jack’s faith kept him strong, and he was always chipper in spirits with a joke to share.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alma May Williams; son, Martin James Williams; siblings Ruth (Ed) Douglass, and Harry (Lily) Williams.

Though it breaks our hearts that Jack is no longer with us, we rejoice in the hope of meeting him again.

We would like to especially thank Burnaby General Hospital for their kind care of Jack for many years, and a special thank you to his family doctor, Dr. Marcel Genest.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Canadian Bible Society for the vision-impaired program. https://biblesociety.ca/