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Obituary of Ellis Williamson
WILLIAMSON, Ellis Bradley
March 6, 1936 – Minnedosa, Manitoba
February 21, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta
Ellis Williamson of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, February 21, 2022, after several health challenges, at the age of 85 years.
Ellis was born in Minnedosa, Manitoba on March 6, 1936.
From an early age, Ellis found his love of the military; he was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and a lifelong Strathcona Association member. He joined the Militia in December 1950 following his older brother Floyd to Calgary. Ellis enlisted in the LdSH where he operated with different squadrons and rose through the ranks. He was the drum major for the LdSH band for a time and he also was posted to recruiting in Calgary. He thoroughly enjoyed talking with young people in Southern Alberta and the interior of B.C. Ellis commissioned from the ranks in 1974 and was posted to Gagetown. That was followed by postings to Trenton, Winnipeg, and Dundurn as based Commander. His best times were spent on several UN tours; from his first in Egypt, 1956, later tours to Cyprus and Libya and finally to Iraq in 1990. His favorite was a year long UN tour in Damascus, Syria and Tiberius, Israel from 1987 to 1988, accompanied by his wife Jessie. His final posting was Victoria, B.C. Ellis retired as a captain in 1991 after a total of forty-one years of service. His love of the military never died!
On May 19, 1960, Willy married Jessie and together they had three children, Patti, Brad, and Ted. Many years were spent at the hockey rink cheering on the boys, helping at the riding club on base and later in Trenton, following Brad to his swimming competitions. El and Jessie returned to Calgary in 1991 to be closer to friends and family. Ellis loved to travel, and they liked to head south during the winter. He loved to play the slots and had fun times in Vegas and Needles, California.
Ellis is survived by his daughter Patti (Carmen) Phillips, sons Brad (Diane) and Ted; sisters-in-law, Edythe Williamson, Jean Fortune, Wilma Garlick, Brother-in-law Doug Grosshart; grandchildren, Grant Williamson, Emma Williamson, Matthew Phillips, John Phillips and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Donna, his best friend and companion for the last 8 years.
Ellis was predeceased by his wife Jessie, brothers, Floyd, David, Dennis, and sister Margaret.
Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, March 11, 2022, starting at 2:00pm. Interment will be at a later date. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.
In living memory of Ellis Williamson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
