Obituary of David Osmond Williams

August 5, 1946 – Cardston, Alberta

April 30, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

 

David Osmond Williams, beloved husband of Elaine Williams of 53 years, passed away in Calgary, Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 76 years.

 

He is survived by his wife Elaine, son Troy (Kathy) Williams, daughter Latrisha Williams, and his much-adored grandchildren, Juliet and Tristan Williams; sister Irene (Wayne) Speer and their family, brother-in-law Garry Plomp and his family, Joan and Joe Pupp and their family, Linda and Charlie Renner and their family, Darlene and Peter Weippert and their family and Jim and Joyce Graham and their family.

 

Dave was predeceased by his father Osmond, son Ron, sister Debra, and parents Paul and Margaret. He was also predeceased by many notable friends, Roy and Eileen Smith, Dale Johnson, and Richard (Dick) Boyer.

 

David was born on August 5, 1946 (a birthday he shared with his mother Margaret) in Cardston, AB. He grew up on a farm eleven miles west and three miles north of Taber where they acquired 160 acres of prime land thanks to the Homestead Act. He loved the outdoors, and his mother would often have to go looking for him when it got dark.

 

In 1947 his father Osmond, a fitness instructor in the army, died of a mastoid infection. These were tough times for the family, and they rented out some of their land to their kind and compassionate neighbors, the Olson’s.

 

When he was eight years old his mother married Paul Koznick and soon their family was five. Paul, Margaret, Irene, Dave and Debbie. They had a very strict upbringing which instilled a great sense of discipline, determination, and work ethic.

 

As a boy, he had his eye on a $250.00 Honda scooter, so he started to work at twelve years old doing anything he could, working on farms, shoveling sidewalks, cutting grass, and helping with a paper route. He proudly rode that scooter even in minus 30 conditions until he made enough money to purchase his first car at seventeen.

 

Dave worked hard throughout his lifetime. At seventeen he lied about his age to work on the oil rigs where you had to be eighteen. He was steadfast and resolute to accomplish all he could in life and later, for the family he would have.

 

He met his beautiful wife in grade ten and although their lives would take them in different directions, they found their way back to one another and married on July 4, 1969. They would become a family of five, Dave, Elaine, Ron, Troy and Latrisha. Together they lived from the west to the east coast of Canada, Scotland and England.

 

Dave studied business in college and had thoughts of the banking industry. He said he was surprised he never started his own construction company considering how much he enjoyed “digging holes and building stuff”.

 

Despite his dreams of construction, David started out as a rough neck in the Alberta oil patch and his drive and determination led to a managing role in the oil service industry. There he successfully dealt with several multinational companies that took him to approximately 39 countries, from Argentina to Norway and from Nigeria to Indonesia.

 

It can’t be stressed enough how much he was respected and admired in his career. Due to his diligent work ethic, attention to detail and astounding customer service skills, he had been the recipient of many awards, and the target of a few head-hunters throughout the years. All the while, he remained humble and focused.

 

Dave worked hard and provided a lush and beautiful life for his loving family. They explored many countries, played together, laughed together, loved, had some ups, some downs and always came back together with hugs and love. He said he woke up happy every day and the last eighteen years of his life were especially outstanding, as spending time with his grandkids, Juliet and Tristan were some of the greatest of times.

 

It is hard to believe that the fittest, healthiest, greatest man can be taken from us. Please reach out to at least one person today and tell them that you love them. Let go of past hurts, heal, and love one another.

 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join David’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222.

 

In living memory of David, 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.

 

Click Here to View David Williams' Memorial Card

 

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