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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WILLIAMS, Eric - died at his Moose Jaw home, with family by his side, on July 17, 2008. He was born in Greenwich, England and came to Canada at the young age of 6. He attended Prince Arthur Elementary School and Moose Jaw Technical High School. At 17 Eric enlisted with the Royal Canadian Navy as a boy seaman. He served as a leading seaman in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II as a radar operator and gunner. In 1947, while stationed in Regina, Eric met and later married Catherine Mildenberger. His employment with Canada Safeway took the family to Yorkton in 1952 and then to Moose Jaw in 1957. Eric was a familiar face at Safeway for 40 years. Eric was a devoted husband and father of seven children. His greatest love was spending time with his family, especially gathered around the dining table. In later years he travelled extensively to visit with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Eric was a faithful member of St. Michael's and St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Parishes for over 50 years, singing in the choir and serving as a reader and Eucharistic minister. He served on the Catholic Board of Education for 22 years, giving generously of his time to the cause of Catholic education. Eric's other community involvement included serving on the Parks and Recreation committee, the Canada Day Committee and coaching Little League baseball. Travelling was one of Eric's greatest pleasures and his love of the sea took him to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts on numerous occasions. He loved music, was an avid reader and an ardent armchair sports enthusiast. Eric was predeceased by his parents, Alice and Joseph Williams; brother Edward (Ted), and his wife of 57 years, Catherine. He is survived by his children: Eric Jr. (Cindy Reichart), Minneapolis; Kathleen, Delta, BC; Joanne Lysyshyn (Ted), Saskatoon; Rosemary (Garry), Regina; Margaret Stephenson (John), Pennsylvania; John (Suzanne), Regina; and James, Red Deer, AB; 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The Vigil of Prayer will be held at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 1064 3rd Avenue N. W., Moose Jaw on Monday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 22, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Veteran's section, Rosedale Cemetery. Royal Canadian Legion funeral rites will be conducted by Roscoe Steele. In living memory of Eric, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. (The Regina Leader-Post 19 Jul 2008)
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