It is with great sadness that the family of John ‘Jack’ Robert Williams of Arrowwood, Alberta, announce his sudden passing at the Vulcan Community Health Centre on November 26, 2023 at the age of 76 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Wendy of 51 years along with his sons Dean (Farrah) Williams of Arrowwood and David (Brittany) Williams of Nanaimo, BC, grandchildren Elyssa, Ashley and Dylan, sister Cheryl Hartwell of Calgary, brother-in-laws John Graham of Vulcan and David Groeneveld of Red Deer Lake and sister-in-law Gladys Jones of Balzac as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Leigh (2010) and Myrtle (1992) Williams and sister Donna Graham (2018).
Jack was born in Calgary, Alberta on August 12, 1947 to Leigh and Myrtle and was raised on the family farm in the Arrowwood community with his sisters Donna and Cheryl. He met Wendy Groeneveld and they married in 1972. They raised their two sons Dean and David together on the farm as well as in the community of Okotoks where the boys attended school and played hockey.
Jack received his early education in Arrowwood followed by High School in Vulcan. He attended Mount Royal College in Calgary as well as the University of Oregon in Eugene to study business. One of his favourite things to do while attending school was playing basketball. He then returned to the family farm where he enjoyed many years of grain farming and raising livestock. Jack had a sharp business mind and enjoyed also working as an agricultural consultant with his company AFC. Jack and Wendy lived in Okotoks and High River from 1986 to 2003. They later returned to continue farming alongside Dean and Farrah and watching their grandchildren enjoy life on the farm. Farm life and values were so important to Jack and he always had an eager interest in basically anything with wheels as well as being a part of the cattle activities and helping at harvest behind the wheel of a John Deere combine.
Jack served many years with the Arrowwood Lions and spent countless hours volunteering in roles for various service groups including the Restoration Society, Arrowwood United Church, the Northwest Recreation Association and numerous other opportunities that arose. He thoroughly enjoyed his time with his Investment/Social Club.
Jack and Wendy lived a wonderful life together and he deeply treasured his vast circle of friends. They enjoyed many great years of travelling with friends which included Europe, the Mediterranean and America including their frequent trips to California, Arizona, Florida and Montana. He loved to curl and golf, but only if it included a cold beer and laughs with friends. Earlier in their marriage Jack became a pilot and loved to fly his plane as well as take open air trips with Wendy on his Goldwing motorcycle. Jack was a jokester and always told the best stories and will always be remembered for that infectious glint in his eyes.
He took the time to enjoy the little things. He loved the countless banter and stories during family dinners and hearing about David, Dean and the family’s many adventures. He loved his time enjoying life with Wendy, the farm, walks with his favourite dog Sunny and working on various projects. He shared a great love of antiques, machinery and old trucks with his grandson Dylan and would often pick up his sidekick to attend yet another car show. He rarely missed a hockey game of his grandkids and was kept busy and entertained with hockey right up until the day he died. He was so proud of his family.
Our dear Jack will be remembered fondly for his great sense of humour, quick wit and his honest, kind and genuine manner. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, December 18, 2023 at 1:30 pm at the Arrowwood Community Hall. His ashes will be spread on the family farm he loved so much.
Tributes in Jack’s memory can be made to the Vulcan County Health and Wellness Foundation, Box 28, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0 or to vchw.foundation@gmail.com.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Tears were shed as I read the announcement that Jack had passed on to the next stage of our progression. Jack was one of the finest gentlemen I had the pleasure of knowing in this life… soft spoken, gentle, easy going and so good-natured : ) Jack and Wendy blessed our lives for generations! when they let us buy their Arrowwood acreage. Our kids had so many adventures! here that four of the seven kids now have acreages of their own so their kids could have the same fun. Thank you Jack for all your kindnesses. You are beloved.
My sincere sympathy Wendy and family
Wendy and family,
May it be comforting to know that others care and share in your sorrow. Sincere sympathy.
Wendy and families please accept my deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. You and Jack were great neighbours when you lived in High River and we had good times together. Hold on to your memories that you and Jack made together. My thought are with you and your family at this time.
Wendy and family, please accept my most sincere condolences in Jack’s passing. With his sense of humor and good nature he made a perfect guide on our travels to Europe.
Sincerely
Dale Cockx
My condolences to you Wendy, and to all your family. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
sincerely,
JoAnn Jones
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending hugs of strength your way.
Shannon (Wark) Doel
Dear Wendy and family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. Our thoughts are with you. Dawn and Doug Milligan
Wendy, am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I often listen to Dani & Lizzy singing Dancing in the Sky as I find it brings me comfort. Sending you loads of love and hugs.
Marlene & Geoff Purvis
Sincere condolences to the Williams family. Our 14 years in Arrowwood, had many highlights and memories. Just one was attending the community brunch that Wendy and Jack put on in their lovely yard. Jack’s aprons were always unique let’s say.
My deepest condolences to you, Wendy, and your family on the passing of Jack.
My sincere condolences Wendy and family. Cherish your memories. Thoughts and prayers to you all!
Our sincerest Condolence Wendy to you and your family our hearts break for you all. We are holding you and your family close in our prayers.
“Jack’s “sense of humour and gentle nature was a blessing to all that knew him.
He will forever be remembered and deeply missed by so many people.
Thoughts and Prayers to Wendy ,David ,Dean and Family. Jack was a wonderful Gentleman we were proud to call him our Friend. Ira and Jackie Fraser
Deepest Sympathy Wendy and also to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time !
George and Judy
I am so sorry for your loss…sincere condolences to you and your family! Hold your memories close..hugs to all !
Dave and I are so sad to hear of Jacks passing. Our love and prayers go to you Wendy and also to the boys and their families. We just can’t imagine the world without Jack. He will always be in our hearts.
Wendy my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Jack. He will be deeply missed. There was always laughter and a smile when around Jack. May many good memories comfort you
Wendy and family, I am so sorry for your great loss. I didn’t know Jack well but I knew that he had a very inquiring mind and a great sense of humour! Take care of yourselves.
Condolences to the Williams family, Jack was a very great guy to everyone in the community! Thoughts and prayers to the family!
Always
Charlotte, Josh & Karlee Schalin!
Our sincerest Condolence Wendy to you and your family our hearts break for you all. We are holding you and your family close in our prayers.
“Jack’s “sense of humour and gentle nature was a blessing to all that knew him.
He will forever be remembered and deeply missed by so many people.
My condolences to Wendy and family on the loss of Jackson (I called him that frequently) and I have way too many wonderful memories of him to even try to list here. So many laughs and good times, including riding around town of the back of his red Honda motor bike on summer afternoons. He was a good and gentle man and I will miss him greatly.
Condolences to the Williams family. Jack was very kind and honest person. Jack was very supportive to our childern during hockey games when his grandchildren played with my children. He was also very supportive of my family when we were transferred to the community with my job. I will surely miss his kind banter and humor. Many thanks to the Williams family and prayers during their time of loss.
We were so saddened to hear of Jacks passing. You are in our hearts and prayers 🙁
We were so saddened to hear of Jacks passing. I hope the multitude of memories can give small comfort .
You are in our hearts and prayers 🙁
Pat and Lorne
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Williams family. Always proud of his family.
Jack was a community builder and leader. I always admired Jacks listening and problem solving skills.
Rest in peace my friend
Ian and Serena Donovan