Williams – Charles Douglas (Doug) Williams was born on August 19, 1920, third of eight children born to Glenna Gertrude (Gardner) and George Lannus Williams. Doug was born and raised, married and lived a full life on the homestead he loved at Cessford. His final days were spent with family and friends; he passed peacefully at home on June 24, 2009. He received his schooling at Cessford, Pollockville, and Hanna, before joining the Air Force in 1941, taking wireless training at Montreal, Fort MacLeod and Vulcan before going overseas. He saw service in England, Belgium, Holland, and Germany and was discharged in December 1945. With the love of the land in his heart, he bought a small parcel in 1946, built up a fine ranch with mostly Hereford cattle and continued with this way of life until his passing. He married Dorothy Coultis in December 1949 and side by side they ranched, farmed, curled, played and coached baseball, visited, and enjoyed a myriad of excursions together. They raised seven children: Ron (Linda), Richard (Bonnie), Pamela, Mark (June), Shirley (Lee), Bern, and Wade (Lorna). He enjoyed the grandchildren and great grandchildren always taking time to tease and talk to them. In later years he and Dorothy would often be found off on some marvelous experience, by boat, motor home, air, bus or car. The motor home was a favorite form of travel; sometimes by themselves and sometimes they would pick up a group of friends or relatives and be off on an adventure – to a nearby rodeo or up the Alaska highway. Doug spent 16 years serving on the Berry Creek School Board, 15 years as councilor for the Special Areas Board, twenty-nine years as President of the local REA, several terms as President of the Berry Creek Community Club and also as president of the Pollockville Curling Club, six years on the Recreation Board, many years serving the federal Conservative Party, plus many more community activities. He very much believed in community and in making a difference. He was determined to make a better world for his children, grandchildren, and future generations. His retirement hobbies included traveling, reading, woodworking, fishing, and visiting with family and the multitude of friends he had developed over his rich and rewarding life. A celebration of his life was held Monday, June 29, 2009 at 2:00 PM from the Cessford Hall. Tributes in lieu of flowers may be made to the Brooks and District Health Foundation Bag 300 Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B3. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Brooks. Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
