Desmond "Doug" Douglas Williams

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Desmond (Doug) Williams; devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend on February 4th, 2022. He passed peacefully at Tideview Terrace surrounded by loved ones and music, just as he wished.

Born in Windsor, Ontario, he was the youngest son of the late Desmond and Patricia Williams. He moved from Windsor at the age of nineteen to join the Canadian Armed Forces, where he spent the next twenty years serving his country and travelling. After his military career ended, he settled down in Nova Scotia where he worked at Lewis Sawmill for ten years.

Doug lived for many years with Multiple Sclerosis and moved to Tideview Terrace in 2011 at the young age of 56. He was fortunate enough to make that move with his loving wife, Holly, who lived in the next room over. Together they would watch game shows, play BINGO, attend church services, and sit outside in the nice weather simply enjoying each other’s company. He looked forward to the many activities through the recreation department, his favorite being the semi-annual trips to Boston Pizza and the movie theatre. He maintained his independence as long as he could by going for rides on his power scooter around the town of Digby. Doug had a lifelong passion for music- playing guitar, piano, and singing. Most notably, he loved the song “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

Despite his struggles, his sense of humor never wavered. He had a seemingly bottomless supply of jokes to tell (mostly dirty ones) and found joy in putting smiles on the faces of those who were lucky enough to meet him. You would often find him joking around and “flirting” with the staff, and he never turned down a hug from any of the ladies. We cannot thank the staff of Tideview Terrace enough for the excellent care he received in his many years there, where the residents and staff truly became his second family.

Nothing brought him greater joy than visits from his daughter Kailyn, whom he was so proud of, his son-in-law Dylan and his grandsons. His face always lit up when his oldest grandson Jack would run into his room for a visit, and he was fortunate enough to get to meet and hold his newborn grandson Jenson before he passed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of five years, Holly Williams; step daughter, Susan Saulnier; sisters, Judy Kennedy (Ross), Bonnie Arnold (Wally); brother, Bill Williams (Carolyn); special nephew, Mike Carreira (Angie) as well as many other nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Sharron Dupree and Janice King.

Multiple Sclerosis robbed him of many things over the years, but he remained resilient through it all and served as an inspiration for many. He never took life too seriously and always lived for the moment.

Donations in Doug’s memory can be made to the MS Society of Canada or Tideview Terrace Bus Fund. A memorial service will be announced by the family at a later date.

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on”

- Irving Berlin