Thinking of you often Dan ! Rest easy, miss ya Mr. Will!

Thinking of you today Dan, 
I can not believe 2 years has passed.  Still missing you, I have your picture up in our classroom at Foothills where you belong.  Rest easy my friend. 

Yvonne



I never had a class with Mr. Williams. But he still managed to make an impact on my life. I look back to having a spare period and often finding myself working on homework in one of the backrooms near his class. Often he would stop by and comment on my sketching and make conversations with me. He always was so nice and friendly and kind, even to the students he didn't know. I'll cherish the kind hearted things he did for me and my classmates forever. Mr. Williams was truly a one of a kind teacher. One whos kindness will forever linger and remain. Thank you Mr. Williams, for your kindness will forever stick with me and so many others.

Mr. Williams was my grade, 8 homeroom teacher. We spent so much time together. I would hang with him and his certified therapy border collie Ruby, every lunchtime, he taught me how to play the guitar, taught me literacy, taught me food safety skills, and he also taught me how to make mildly inappropriate butt jokes. Sometimes during foods class, the kids (not including me) would not stop talking, and he couldn't deal with it so we would do homework instead, foods class was sometimes on a Wednesday, and guitar club was also on a Wednesday so sometimes we would make food during guitar club. I remember making pancakes during one guitar club meeting, I made a pancake that was shaped like a unicorn, I found sword toothpicks, and so I stabbed the unicorn with the toothpick and made syrup blood coming out of the unicorn. He could never say no and was always so kind. He bought me an I ❤️ New York notepad and pen when he went to New York because it was my birthday during the month that he left. He was my all-time favorite L.A. and foods. He and Mr. Bullivant were my favorite guitar teachers. 

I remembered when I was a visiting student in 2012 and I first met Mr. Will. He was so nice to me in regards to writing down about me and showing me who he was inside. He was a man who had a true heart. Even though I was a visiting student I would always remember meeting him and hoping to meet him and to have him as my teacher. 

I remember when he taught me in grade 8 when he would give us assignments that were not complicated, and was very helpful even when we didn't need the full attention. I also recall a moment when he sang a song called "Gabe's got gas" when he heard the fart noise from the vent, which was hilarious and made the class laugh. I also remembered how he would make this paper tickets for getting homework done on time which made me happy to have. It motivated me to push myself and do the best that I could.

On that note I also recalled a moment when I volunteered with the basketball try outs, but didn't make it. Even though I didn't make it, he still motivated me to do my best. Another thing to remember was how he showed the foods class how to cook food in the kitchen and to teach me the best thing about cooking. 

The last memory I had was when I had Mr. Will for grade 12 English in 2018. In this memory year, I remember watching "The Shawshank Redemption and Call of the Wild, with that being said he would always appreciate all the hard work and effort that I putted into my work and congratulates even when the class was so small.

In conclusion he was my second favorite English, Foods and I hope that his spirit will live on to be the brightest, happiest and the best thing that would make the day bloom into the best thing that I have ever had. We will all miss you Mr. Will. We will also  love you no matter if the days are rough. And I hope that his family members will never forget how he lived and how great of a teacher he was.

Thank You Mr. Daniel Roger Williams 

Love Rhyan Prescod  

Dan was my mentor teacher at Foothills Academy a few years ago - but his guidance and presence made me realize the kind of teacher I wanted to be. He inspired me to be a kind, caring teacher who built strong relationships with others. We shared recipes for foods class and I still use some of them today. He encouraged me to pursue my Masters and I just finished my program last year. He helped me grow so much as a teacher and a person, and  I am so sorry to hear that he passed away. He will be greatly missed. 

Mister Will was one of the only reasons I made it through highschool, he was one of the very few people who made it where you actually wanted to go to school despite everything, he made Foothills an actually happy place. I'll miss you Mister Will, I'm sorry for not visiting you or the school that you put so much love in since I left.

Poem for Dan Williams
 
A gentle soul crossed my way
I sit and wonder why he couldn't stay
 
A person so kind so thoughtful so dear
He has left us much too early I fear
 
The lessons he taught at his Foothills home
Left incomplete for students, and for staff to own
 
How could this be, it doesn't seem right
All his selfless acts, now brought to our sight
 
I wish he could see the impact he has had
On anyone who knew him, he was like our foothills Dad
 
I will keep with me, his humor and wit
His gentle demeanor and how much he'd commit
 
Your memories live on, with all who you knew
Goodbye my dear friend, thanks for always being you!
 
Your EA and Friend Yvonne 



I was inspired by the celebration and warmed by the love surrounding Dan. What a little Dennis the Menace he was, who grew into a fun-loving, caring man. (with mischief in him still :) ) My heart is with you and your family, Bev. 
 

What a beautiful tribute video. I am so sorry for your loss Bev. I am hoping that you will find some peace in the beautiful memories that you’ve shared. Sending strength to you and Ruby. OOX

Good Bye Old Friend.

Au revoir vieil ami


I give my utmost condolences to Dan’s wife and family. The world has lost a great man. 

He was the TA for my class in my first year as a student at Foothills. Dan always came to class with a positive attitude and great sense of humour. I managed to also work with him when I was a teacher at Foothills and it was always evident that his heart and sole went into the profession. I was grateful that I got to know him as a student and a colleague. As a student, I remember him writing the song “Snowman’s Holiday” for my class and I to sing at the schools Christmas pageant. This gave him the opportunity to share some of his passion for music. 

As a colleague, I valued the conversations in the staff room and how he treated me as an equal. I can’t ever recall anyone ever having a negative thing to say about him. This was a man with a heart of gold who would give you the shirt off his back if you were in need. 

It is very evident that Dan changed the life of many for the better and this will not be forgotten.


My heart goes out to family and friends. Mr will made me feel safe at foothills when I was scared. He was so kind generous funny and always made sure everyone was happy. I will never forget meeting his precious furry pals patches and Ruby. That’s one of my most favourite memories of him his love for animals. I also remember going to visit his class after every class and we would have so many chats he was so welcoming didn’t matter if you were his student or not.  Mr Will was the best and had a great impact not just on me but so many others. 

Mr. Will (as we called him at school) was never my teacher, but for two years, I had the pleasure of helping him with guitar club. While I helped the older kids who wanted to learn to play, he was in the other room teaching the younger kids to play the greatest songs in the world. It’s been a few years since, but I was enriched by the time that he and I spent together in ways that have positively impacted my life. Chatting with him about music, and his sweet dog who came to school with him every day is a highlight of my life that I will cherish forever.

He wasn’t my teacher, but he was my friend, and I will miss him dearly. 

Mr. Will was my all-time favorite teacher ever.  He was basically my father, he was there when my dad wasn't.  Mr. Will has always been caring and ready to listen whenever you needed.  Mr.  Will, you have made an impact so big no one knows the extent of it,  thank you.  thank you for being there when we needed you.  Thank you for coming into class every day with a smile.  Thank you for giving me food when I forgot my lunch.  Thank you.   Thank you.  I'll never forget you.  Thank you.  

Dan inspired those around him to see the silver lining, and no matter how he was feeling inside, outwardly, he was uplifting, kind, caring,  and compassionate. His patience and sincere empathy are what drew people to him, as well as his highly developed sense of humor. We had so much fun teaching kids guitar, and I’ll never forget one song in particular that we were working on with a  student. Johnny Cash has a whole new meaning for me now and I’m glad you are free of your, ” Rusty Cage”.  Whenever I look upon the Stillwater, I will think of you my old friend. Rest In Peace Mr Will!

Our sincere Condolences to Beverly and family.
I never got to meet Dan, but I always enjoyed your facebook
Posts.
Our heartfelt sympathies
Kathleen & Denis Rousseau

I remember when I was doing my visiting day back in Grade 8, on February 10th, 2014. I was in Daniel Williams’ class for English. 
I was really nervous about being in a different place and I was super shy. Dan was really kind and really understanding. He also told Simon that I would be a good fit for Foothills. I still owe so much thanks to him.

Dan was also my teacher in Foods class when I was in Grades 10, 11 and 12. He was an excellent teacher. He never gave up on any students. He always made sure that his students understood the material being taught in class. He also never left a student behind. He was an outstanding teacher.

There were also never any dull moments in his classes. He let us get away with many jokes and harmless pranks (like when me and my friends made and carried around a very specific cookie and showed it to other teachers). His sense of humour was also unrivalled.

Mr. Williams was one heck of an amazing guy. He was very wise, empathetic, kindhearted and hilarious. I am grateful for everything he did and I am going to miss him very much.

My condolences go to his wife, Ruby and the rest of his family as well.

Mr. Will was no ordinary person you would walk by on the streets. There was something special about him, he had this spark that just made everyone happy. He was the leader of happiness , ( like an uncle for me) he was the one people would go to if they had a bad day, or just needed to talk, for me I went to him for hugs and memories. I was having a bad year last year, my anxiety was particularly bad, I had never felt so alone. But then Mr. Will came along, I would spend my homerooms and lunches Talking with him. I never felt alone when he was around, he made everyone see the good in themselves. He always encouraged everyone to do there best and never give up. He loved joking around with his students, and everyone loved him for it. He had such a kind and welcoming heart, when you were around him you had this feeling that everything was gonna be okay. He brought joy to everyone around him, and now that he’s gone school hasn’t been the same. I walk into his classroom and I feel him around me,  I see him. I see the scuff mark and the short black bookcase where he put his coffee, I see the red chair where he would always sit. I imagine the room as it was, like nothing had changed, the wire container where he put his keys (where he found his old tooth filling) the photos of ruby all around the room, the bookcase of hidden things. His desk against the wall where I would do my exams, his marking table of doom. I see the faces of the people who he so greatly had an impact on, and now I see his face smiling at me the same way he did before saying “everything is going to be okay”. And I feel safe knowing he is watching over every single one of his students (including me). I try and remember the good times with all the class jokes, the hugs in the morning, that feeling of safety and happiness that he brought with him. I will never forget what he has done for me, and how much joy he has brought to my life. I will always love him like my uncle and never forget the good days❤️❤️❤️

Mr. Will was not only an amazing teacher but also a friend you could turn to and talk to any time.  In grade 8 he was my homeroom and English teacher. I had a particularly hard time that year not only with my dyslexia but I was often bullied and teased by kids in my class. But Mr. Will was my lifeline and with his love, acceptance, and support he helped me get through that year.  Even when that year was over,  the bond between Mr. Will and I only grew.  You could often see us "coaching" the basketball team (I really wasn't much help). Or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.  But most of all I would just sit and talk to him and he always listened. Mr. Will and I would also make "rock friends."  We would go out and collect rocks, put googly eyes on them and then paint them. This year he bought a whole bin of school supplies just because my friends and I would often "borrow" his. He would always feed you if you forgot your lunch. He would give you his lunch or buy you chips.  He was always feeding everyone.  I believe that one of his ways of spreading love and happiness was to feed his students. My last conversation with Mr. Will was a happy and joyful one. It was over the phone and I thanked him for all he had done for me at Foothills.  So, now, one more time  I want to thank you Mr. Will - you are and always will be the best teacher ever.

My sincere condolences.  Dan was a talented and compassionate teacher who was truly loved by his family, colleagues,  students, and parents. What a wonderful treasure he was to Foothills Academy. He will never be forgotten.  Ruby will miss you greatly my dear friend, as will we all.

My deepest sympathies to Bev and all of Dan’s  family. I worked with Dan at Emily Follensbee School. He was a great guy with a great sense of humour. Terry Carr

I will always remember Mr.will very fondly in my memories... he was a kind hearted man who encouraged his students to do their best in writing, and taught me and a close friend how to cook. He always encouraged my dark humor, and would often join in, making for very humorous jokes and story ideas. One story in particular struck me about being in a white room with fading memories. I hope that wherever he his, he can find, an incredible wonderland of things he enjoyed in life. If he were here one last time I would say “Thank you so much for everything Mr.Will, I will keep you in my memories and immortalize you in my writing.” We will all miss him dearly.

I remember mr.williams for being my teacher at foothills academy last year. He was the person that would tell you to keep on pushing no matter what. He would encourage me to keep on trying my hardest to succeed. But now that he's gone it has left a huge hole in my heart that will never be able to be filled without him in our lives. You will be missed, thank-you for being my teacher and friend. Rest in peace Dan

I was lucky enough to have 3 children go thru Foothills Academy and all 3 had Dan at one time or another.  I will never forget Dan in his room with kids hanging all over him as he was attempting to walk out of the room.  My family and I will always remember him as a very kind and gentle man who excepted everyone for exactly who they were. This will leave a very large gap in the Foothills community, one that can never be replaced.  RIP Dan.

Dan was an  amazing person. His heart was so big, he never judged anyone -always saw the good in every person.  .  honored to know a great man with dignity and respect for self and others.

His personality reflected his kindness,  love and passion for all living things.  He will be sadly missed ,, one day we will meet again,, 

My deepest sympathies to Bev and all of Dan's family. I worked with Dan at Emily Follensbee School. He was a wonderful young man with a great sense of humour. He will certainly be missed by many. love, donna kutryk

OBITUARY

Daniel Roger Williams

January 5, 1966 – February 19, 2020

Foster's Garden Chapel Funeral Home & Crematorium

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