Richard Wayne Williams

Chief Richard Wayne Williams

X̱welx̱welácha-t Siy̓ám̓

'Chief Dick'

Sunrise: February 25, 1948 - Sunset: December 9, 2023

With deep sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of hereditary Chief Richard Wayne Williams. He was fondly known as Chief Dick or Chief Dickie. He was born in Vancouver, BC, to his late parents, Edward 'Ted' Lyle Williams and Mavis Madeline Williams (nee: Lewis), on February 25, 1948. He grew up on Eslha7án̓ (Mission IR# 1) and Xwemélch’stn (Capilano IR# 5), BC. Chief Dick attended St. Paul's Catholic Day School, Bainbridge Island Boarding School, North Van High, and Bainbridge Island Highschool. At a young age, Chief Dick started picking berries in Bainbridge with his family and traveled throughout the Squamish Nation territories learning the history from his family and elders in the community. Throughout his life, he worked several jobs: the cannery, logging, and the mill. He was a dedicated leader to his tribe and did not shy away from responsibility. He was a teacher assistant, a band constable, an acting Band Manager, a Squamish Indian Band Fisheries Officer, a Tribal Marine Manager, and an active finance committee member for Chiefs and Council. Another critical area that Chief Dick oversaw at the Squamish Nation was Fishery Bylaws.

Chief Dick worked 52 years for the Squamish Nation and served on the Chiefs and Council for 33 years. An important legacy for the Squamish Nation people is that in 1997, he was appointed by the late Chief Joe Mathias to the Kitsilano court case that reclaimed the Nation's reserve. His political career came naturally to him with sound bites and glittery speeches-but working for the people to protect the best interest of future generations. The Chief supported A few monumental accomplishments throughout his political career: Land Use Plan, Land Designations, and the 1993 Squamish Nation Assertion of Aboriginal Title. Most importantly, he supported senior management and was always willing to work alongside staff. He was genuinely interested in people as individuals and forward-thinking about the long-term without losing sight of the immediate impact from the youngest to oldest in the community.

Chief Dick's dedication and passion was to protect the lands and resources. He had smoked fish for the elders with his family the way his ancestors taught him, and he would personally deliver it to the elders. He was instrumental in the negotiations with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), which gave First Nations people the right to fish for food, social, and ceremonial purposes. A benefit that the Nation receives is fish distribution. Another milestone he implemented was the fish guardians' program, which operates seasonally.

Chief Dick was a safety boatman for the Squamish Nation, Burrard, Vancouver, and Squamish Valley Canoe Races. He also coached the Capilano Hawks and supported the North Shore Skyliners and Saanich Arrows teams. He supported youth's education and extracurricular activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. He believed the Squamish People were making good choices and moving in the right direction to thrive in our fast-paced world. He played lacrosse, softball, bowling, and golfing. Chief Dick was a brilliant coach and led the undefeated '97 North Shore Lacrosse team to win the B.C. Provincials. He enjoys hunting, fishing, playing bingo, poker, and slots, and watching pro football, hockey, and boxing in his spare time.

Chief Dick was a knowledge keeper and always had a story to tell, even if he was a little biased. He never held back his opinion and vehemently protected Aboriginal and Squamish Nation rights. He fought for a spot at the tables even if he was omitted. He stood up for the teachings passed on through elders and respected family members. Chief Dick listened to the voices of our Stélmexw (SN People), the temíxw (land), and staḵw (water), and it guided the excellent work he accomplished. Chief Dick will best be remembered for his great sense of humor, quick-witted bad jokes, and his immense history and knowledge of the Squamish Nation people. A true leader and a man of his word, he always reminded the people to know where they came from, connecting them to the land, language, and culture. He became the truest of friends to those he knew best. He was principled and honorable and worked tirelessly for his people. In all that he did, he always put the interests of others ahead of his own. The Squamish Nation has lost a valuable historian, and his wisdom will be missed.

Chief Dick married his late beloved wife Violet Maureen 'Mo' Williams (nee: Underwood) in 1976. They raised their three children on Xwemélch’stn reserve. He is survived by children Amanda Kaye Williams, Dick Joe Waelcelanuh Williams, and Ellen Rose Williams (John). They will miss their devoted dad, who was committed to spending quality time with each of them on family trips. Siblings Juanita Lynn Lewis, Lyle Albert Williams (Louise), Edward Mark Williams (Peggy), Roy Patrick Williams (Alice), Denise Marie Bob, Elaine Ann Williams, Della Rose Williams, Angela Joan Schorneck (Hart), and many loving relatives and dear friends.

Prayer Service: Chief Joe Mathias Centre

100 Capilano Rd, West Vancouver, BC

Date: Thursday, December 14, 2023

Viewing: 6:00 pm

Service: 7:00 pm

Funeral Service: Chief Joe Mathias Centre

Date: Friday, December 15, 2023

Viewing: 9:00 am

Service: 10:00 am

Burial: Eslha7án̓ Cemetery (Mission IR# 1)

Immediately following service

Luncheon: Chief Joe Mathias Centre

Immediately following Interment

Livestream of funeral services available at: https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/

Online condolences can be found at www.dignitymemorial.ca