WILLIAMS, JOSEPH RALPH
1922 – 2015
The family of Joseph Ralph Williams of McAdam would like to announce his sudden passing at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on Saturday, March 14th, 2015. Born in McAdam, NB on November 9th, 1922, to parents William George Williams and Louisa Elizabeth Beatrice (Purdue) Williams, Joe lived the majority of his life in McAdam and spent time on farms in the Harvey area.
He graduated from McAdam High School in 1940 and began working at James Cook & Sons Grocery Store until an opportunity to hire on with the CPR to learn a trade. In 1942 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and became an airplane mechanic, receiving his L.A.C Licence. In November 1943 he was medically discharged and went back to work at the CPR. After a layoff came along he worked for SunLife Insurance Company for 10 years until the opportunity arose to return to CPR. Joe retired at the age of 60.
Joe was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 70 years, a member of the Masonic Lodge, served on his local school board, fish and game association, and loved to sing, dance, hunt and fish.
In 1949, he married Janet Mossman of Florenceville, New Brunswick and together, for 62 years, they devoted their time to six daughters, 14 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and enjoyed long summers at their camp at Oromocto Lake and travelling.
Joe is survived by his children, Joanne (Fred) McIntosh of Florenceville, NB, Jean McMullen of Mississauga, ON, Shelly (Dave) Dunphy of Taymouth, NB, Cathy (Simon) Bitton of Montreal, QC, Karen Pelletier (George Lacey) of Fredericton, NB, and Lorraine (James) Woodford of Keswick Ridge, NB; grandchildren, Aaron (Terri) McIntosh of Toronto, ON, Dr. Sean McIntosh of Stitsville, ON, Dr. Scott McIntosh of Ottawa, ON, Blair (Amy) McIntosh of Florenceville, NB, Peter (Liz) McMullen of Phoenix, AZ, Captain Matthew (Jessica) McMullen of Guelph, ON, Carolyn McMullen of Auckland, NZ, Jessica, Jeremy and Jacob Bitton of Montreal, QC, Joey Wheaton of Grand Prairie, AB, Jenny Wheaton – E.I.T of Calgary, AB, Reece Pelletier (Brittany Jones) of Fredericton, NB, and Rachelle Pelletier of Halifax, NS; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Muriel Zimmer of Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law, Faye (the late Harold ‘Pat’) Estey of St. Stephen, NB; brother-in-law, John (Anne-Marie) Mossman of Fredericton, NB; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Janet; brother, Robert (Robbie) Williams; and sister, Maude DiPietro.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17th, 2015 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St. Paul’s United Church, McAdam, NB. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 7 will hold a tribute service beginning at 4:00 PM. The funeral service will be Wednesday, March 18th at 1:00 PM at St Paul’s United Church, McAdam. A reception will follow.
Memorials would be appreciated to the McAdam Train Station Restoration Fund, St. Paul’s United Church Fund, McAdam Legion Branch # 7 Lady’s Auxiliary or charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be made at www.mcadamsfh.com, (506) 458-9170.