72, Edwardsville
It is with great sadness that we, the family announce the passing of Ira Joseph Williams on Feb. 8, 2012, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Smelt Brook, Nov. 15, 1939, Ira was the son of the late Parnell and Ellen (Rambeau) Williams.
Ira was a member of the Holy Rosary parish, Westmount, and Church of the Incarnation, Edwardsville.
Ira was a carpenter by trade and was a housing inspector for the Nova Scotia Department of Housing. His work took him throughout Victoria and Richmond counties of Cape Breton during which time he met and helped many wonderful people. Ira loved the outdoors; hunting and fishing with his dear friends, golfing a round at the Highland Links, picking berries and fruit to make preserves, and taking walks down to the beach.
Ira was a recognized athlete and played softball for many years from the 1950s through to the 1980s. Ira also enjoyed playing hockey, and most recently skating with dear friends of the Coxheath Daytime Senior Skaters.
He was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He loved visits from family and friends, and especially looked forward to the annual visits from his adoring children and grandchildren all in Alberta. Ira will always be remembered for his singing and guitar playing, backyard campfires and adventures with the grandkids, and his jams and jellies were always in demand around the kitchen table. If you had the pleasure of knowing Ira, you knew you had a genuine, kind and caring friend for life.
Ira is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bridget; one son, Todd (Penelope), Grand Prairie, Alta., and three daughters, Peggy Lee (Robert) Peters, Edmonton, Alta., Ann Cherie (Craig) Korbut, Edmonton, Alta., and Jody (Stephen Gromack), Calgary, Alta. Grampy will be sadly missed by nine treasured grandchildren, Meghan and Nolan Williams, Tayleur, Brosnon and Rylan Peters, Madison and Kendra Korbut, and Thea and Emy Williams Gromack. Ira is also survived by two sisters, Madelynn (David) Williams, Saint John, N.B., and Agnes (Malcolm) Rudderham, Port Elgin, N.B.; and three brothers, Jake (Mary), Edwardsville, Willard (Colleen), New Waterford, and Winston (Patricia), Saint John, N.B.; and many neices and nephews.
Besides his parents, Ira was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Hennick, and brother, Archie.
Visitation for the late Ira Joseph Williams will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd., Sydney, on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 2-8 p.m. Funeral mass to celebrate the life of Ira Joseph Williams will be held Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, Westmount, with Fr. Dan MacInnis officiating. Interment will take place at Church of the Incarnation parish cemetery, Edwardsville. Reception will be shared following the service at the Westside Legion, Westmount.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ira may be made to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Those we loved don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, forever missed. Thank you, Dad, for so many wonderful lessons about what true love really is.
Online Condolences
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME …GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
From: BILL & ELIZABETH TIMBURY
Dearest Bridget, Jody Puss, and the whole family. My heart is truly broken at the news of Dad's (that's what I called him -xo) passing. Ira was such an extraordinary treasure, a gift to anyone who was lucky enough to have him as part of their life. I have so many wonderful memories of him – and all of them include good times, and lots of joy always. Times on the boat, singing in the kitchen…the list is a long one. His spirit and the sparkle in his eye will be truly missed. What an amazing legacy he leaves, with his children he loved so much who now pass along that amazing love to their children…and on it will go. We will always hold him dear in our hearts. Sending you all love and prayers during this difficult time. xoxoxo MairiAnna, Jimmy, and Alexia
From: MairiAnna
Bridget & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Ira was a cherished friend that I truly enjoyed being with ,whether working at the cottage or fishing for the odd cod in The Brasd'or Lakes. Weather permitting we hope to see you all Monday. A donation will be made in his memory to Palative Care. Again,our thoughts and prayers are with you all
From: Donnie & Gail Mac Intyre
Hi Maddie, Ira sounds like a wonderful person. Please accept our condolences. It is not easy to lose a brother or family member. Will be thinking of you.
From: Ted & Sandra Murphy
To williams family . sorry to hear about your loss .you are in are thoughts and prayers .god will help you in this difficult time.
From: Debbie MacIvor & Dave MacKeigan .
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Many memories on Hospital Road; crazy rides on the skidoo, hanging out by the fire and of course lots of laughter. Thank goodness memories are forever.
From: Anne Marie (Goodyear) Peters
Condolences to Bridget and family Jake(Mary),Willard (Colleen),Winston(Patricia), and sisters Madelynn and Agnes.
From: Alex & Deanna MacIsaac
William's family: Hi I am a nephew of the late Roy Lewis of Pt.Edward. In the 1950s I spent my summers working oo Roy's farm Ira and his brothers worked for Roy also they were great workers,fun people ahd good to me. Roy loved softball and took me to all the games in Pt. Edward, Ira and his brothers were great ball players and we enjoyed watching them very much. Good Memories. I am sorry for your loss and express my condolences to you all. I am sure you have lots of great memories that will help you at this time.
From: Sandy Meikle
To the Williams Family please accept our sincere condolences.Ira was a great guy and a gentleman and I have only fond memories of him.
From: Leo Milley and family
To the family of Ira Williams Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. I have many good memories of Ira in my Grade 3 Class at Edwardsville School in 1949/50. Sincerely, Vic and (Olive LeBlanc) Dawson
We'll always cherish the memories of Ira and the trips to the Powderhorn, guitar nights in Ben Eoin, fishing in North River and Margaree, and most of all Ira's good friendship and sound wisdom. May your tea never be weak!
From: Steve and Susan MacNeil, West Jeddore, Patrick Macneil, Westmount, NS.