September 19, 1929 - June 14, 2022
In loving memory ~
Ted was born on September 19, 1929 in Kamloops, BC to Cymrd and Muriel Williams. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and family on June 14, 2022 in Burns Lake, BC.
Ted is survived by Laureen, his wife of 61 years, his brother John, his children Mary, Mark, Anita, Gwyndolyn, Joan, his 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Cym and his baby son John.
Ted graduated from Kamloops High School in 1948. He started working in the logging and road industries right out of school, working first in Williams Lake, Vancouver Island, Prince George and the Peace River. During this time, he became a pilot, which was a passion he enjoyed his whole life. In the mid-1950s, Ted started working with The Pas Lumber. It was his work with The Pas Lumber that first brought him to the Lakes District. After working for them in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, he was asked to work at a mill out at Johnson Bay on Babine Lake. It was here he feel in love with the Lakes District, purchased land on the shores of Decker Lake and made his home.
Ted met Laureen in 1960 and they were married in August of 1961. They lived and worked for a short while in Giscome, BC before purchasing their first mill at Tatalrose, BC in 1963. His next mill was purchased in 1967 from Sivert Anderson in Palling, BC and in 1968 he started Decker Lake Forest Products (DLFP) with Larry Hope. Ted worked at DLFP and then later Lakes District Maintenance for the remainder of his work career.
In 1979, Ted had the opportunity to fulfill another dream and purchased a cattle ranch on the shores of Oosta Lake. Ted and his family shared many happy memories during this time. When Ted and Laureen retired, they lived both in Victoria and Smithers before returning to Burns Lake in 2015.
Ted was active and loved to travel. He had many adventures around the world and in his float plane. Throughout his life his main priority was always family, and his greatest joy was any opportunity where they could get together. Ted's kindness, enthusiasm for life, curiosity and lovely sense of humour shone through everything he did. He will be remembered for the love of his family and friends, his generosity, honesty and respect for others. Ted's motto was to "Live simply, Love generously & Learn constantly."
The Williams' family feel truly blessed for all the love and support shown to us by family, friends, and neighbours. The flowers, cards, letters, phone calls, and visits meant so much! Embracing each of you with our prayers of love and thanks for bringing us peace, joy, and hope. Ted was very thankful for a full and wonderful lifespan through the love of Jesus and has gone to meet his Saviour.