John Alexander Williamson

After a brief illness, John Williamson passed away in Brandon, having spent the previous few days visited by family. John was born in Rossburn, Manitoba to Wesley and Beryl Williamson, the eldest of four children raised on the family farm. He finished high school and farmed with his father before starting a 36 year career with Manitoba Pool Elevators. In 1959, he married Mavis Yerex, a school teacher and his dance partner for life, and they enjoyed 47 years together, raising three sons, travelling, golfing, watching the Jets play live and loving their grandchildren.

John was an avid hockey player, coach and fan, attending many Jets and Wheat Kings games and hundreds of minor hockey games across southern Manitoba. He enjoyed golf, curling and playing cribbage and shared many laughs with a long list of friends and colleagues over the years. Right up to his final days, he could deconstruct a hockey game and tell you who did what right (and who didn’t). While time was hard on his body, he remained sharp (and mildly opinionated) to the end.

Throughout his life, family was the centre of John’s world. His memory will be carried by his three sons, Dale, Garry and David, their spouses and partner, Faye, Darlene and Elizabeth. His easy chuckle will be remembered by his grandchildren: Alison and Eric; Elyssa and Bryanna and Brock; and Robyn, as well as their spouses and most importantly, the great grandchildren: Rhys, Milo, Noah and Isla; Aizyne; Troxler, Torec and Lockett; Remi and Troy. John is also survived by his brother, Gordon, and his family and a sister, Greta, and her family. He was welcomed into the large Yerex family as a brother and uncle and they will share his memories as well.

According to John’s wishes, cremation has take place and a private service for immediate family will be held where his ashes will be placed beside Mavis. The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support, especially the staff at Morley House in Shoal Lake and at Brandon General Hospital.