Don Melvin Williams

Don Melvin Williams was born November 21, 1940, Portage, Manitoba. Passed peacefully on July 15, 2024 at Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC. Predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Jeannette (nee Virtue), and his brother Terry, he leaves behind his daughter, Mara, son-in-law Andreas Rose, and sister Laurie Clarke.

Don lived life to the fullest, following his passions for academia, music, and gardening. Growing up in Sidney MB, he became a keen gardener through 4H and following examples set by his mom and grandfather. He always had plots on the go, and was particularly proud of his potatoes, tomatoes and beans. Jeannette was kept busy canning this bounty every year.

His passion for learning was life-long. He attended United College and University of Manitoba where he received a BA, a BSW, and a MSW. He found rewarding work with the Children’s Aid Society in Winnipeg, assisting families with adoptions. He married Jeannette on Oct. 6, 1970 in St. Catharines, and his daughter Mara was born in London, ON in 1972. His interest in research took his young family to York, England where he worked on his PhD in Social Work, studying the experience of retired Rowntree workers in a subsidized village community.

Returning to Canada in 1979, he was a professor at Lakehead University, and following that, a civil servant for Manitoba Family and Child Welfare. During this period, Don realized he had a calling as a family and couples counsellor. In this new role, Don guided many folks through difficult and challenging times of their life, often developing lifelong friendships after therapy had ended. While in Winnipeg, he loved taking his daughter to Jets and Bombers games or to the track for a flutter on the ponies, while also enjoying Winnipeg’s rich cultural offerings in theatre, ballet, and music.

Moving to Abbotsford, then Victoria, Don continued his role as a counsellor until he retired. Jeannette and Don spend their remaining years travelling, going to the movies, and voraciously reading, while enjoying good food, company, and conversation. Don always had a bon mot or quirky turn of phrase at the ready.

In his later years, Don took up singing, participating in and organizing multiple concerts. Up until the end, you could often hear him humming a favourite verse from a Sinatra standard. He was an intelligent, funny, and loving father, husband, and friend to many, and will be missed.

No service at this time. Those who wish may remember Don by contributing to Doctors Without Borders.