Brian Harry WILLIAMS

WILLIAMS, Brian Harry Brian Harry Williams learned that he had cancer on January 25th in Lions Gates' Emergency Department. He died only seven days later in Palliative Care on February 1st. The cause of his death was a particularly virulent form of cancer, Liposarcoma. Born in Vancouver in 1948 Brian moved to West Vancouver when he was 4. He graduated from West Van High in 1966 and went on to UBC to attain an Electrical Engineering degree in 1972. In 1971 he married Joan Read and they went on to spend 39.5 years together. Joan and Brian were not just husband and wife they were the best of friends. Out of their union came two children, Jordan in 1980 and Aaron in 1982. A truly devoted father, Brian was involved in many ways in the lives of his children. They remained his top priority until the end. He was especially active in boys' and girls' soccer, volunteering hundreds of hours behind the scenes. As a grandfather to Kayleigh, Addison and Harlen, Brian enjoyed their every discovery and change. He found joy as well in seeing Jordan become an exceptional mother. In addition, Brian's proudest moment came in the spring of 2010 when Aaron graduated from UBC's medical school as a doctor. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island Brian was the man you would want with you. He was an extraordinary Mr. Fix-It. He had an amazing intuitive knowledge of how things worked. As well, he was a gifted carpenter and mechanic. Best of all Brian was exceptionally patient and kind. His mind was never idle, he truly was a life long learner. A career in Electrical Engineering suited Brian well. He enjoyed solving problems and he was a meticulous planner and designer. Brian worked for a number of consulting firms in the Lower Mainland and had been employed by the Greater Vancouver Regional District for 10 years prior to his death. He was the consummate engineer and much of his identity stemmed from his identification with the engineering fraternity. In his spare time and vacations Brian headed for his beloved Keats Island. He shared a family cabin at Eastbourne with his siblings. Recently he led the battle to restore his favorite environment, Maple Beach, to its original state following illegal development. If the court case is won, Maple Beach will be Brian's legacy. Over his forty year marriage to Joan the couple owned seven small dogs, always two at a time. Brian inevitably was the biggest guy with the smallest dog at obedience classes. His affection for his "girls" ran very deep and he cherished their companionship. Brian is survived by his wife, his daughter and son and his loyal friend, Tom Johnstone. He also leaves behind three siblings, two nephews, and a niece. A celebration of the life of this gentle man will be held at First Memorial Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver on Saturday, February 12th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the B.C. Cancer Foundation would be appreciated by the family.