Brian Williams

It is with overwhelming sadness that Brian’s family announces the passing of this kind, gentle, giving and loving soul on Wednesday December 28, 2016 at his home in Collingwood surrounded by his adoring family. Brian is survived by his best friend and devoted wife Kate, son Jeffrey (Becky), daughter Jennifer (Dave) and his much loved pooch Haylee; his brother Jim Williams, sister Cheryl Jean Louis and Linda Seguin (Roch), his mother in law Nancy Sullivan, sisters in law Fiona Sullivan, Kimberley Smyth (Mike) and his large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and their children. Brian was a devoted and loving Grandpa to his cherished grandchildren Caleb, Hayden and Jessica Williams and Kyson and Kyler Paterson. Brian was born in Hawkesbury, Ontario. He moved to Montreal where he began his career in the Apparel Industry. In 1985, he moved to Toronto where he worked in various leadership roles at Levi Strauss & Co. (Canada) Inc. After 17 years at Levi Strauss, Brian joined VF Corporation (Wrangler) where worked until his retirement in 2011 as President of Canada and the Caribbean. In 2014, Brian and Kate relocated to Collingwood splitting their time between their home in Collingwood and Florida. Brian was an avid long distance cyclist, hiker and runner, a seasoned golfer and hockey player. You would often see Brian and Kate heading out for a cycle, walk on the trail, swimming in the bay or hiking up the Blue Mountains with their family. A private family service will be held. A celebration of Brian’s life will take place at The Blue Mountain Golf & Country Club, 706 10th Line, Collingwood on Friday January 6, 2017 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Brian’s final resting place will be in his hometown of Hawkesbury, Ontario in the family cemetery (St. Alphonse de Liguori). In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated for a memorial bench to be placed on Brian’s favourite portion of the Georgian Trail behind his home in Collingwood. Donations can be received at any TD Canada Trust Branch (account information 22882 004 6473495). Donations would also be appreciated at Hospice Georgian Triangle. The family would like to thank Brian’s incredible healthcare team in Toronto and Collingwood for all their support, guidance and compassion over the years: Dr. Anand Ghanekar, Dr. Jennifer Knox, Dr. Jamie Stewart, Dr. Robert Gatis and nurses Kim and Amanda from CCAC.