Eulogy for Allen Dale Williams

November 03, 2007

Allen Williams loved his country…Canada

He was a proud citizen and a proud Albertan

He enjoyed travelling and experiencing first hand, the marvels and beauty of Canada

He had visited every province and territory in this great country many times and was particularly fond of the North.  He loved the diversity and its vast wilderness.  Unlike many Canadians, he actually experienced and deeply appreciated the notion of our country, being coast to coast to coast.

Allen left no stone unturned in his curiosity and love for his country.  But as much as he loved traveling and experiencing his country intimately, he loved its people, our history and our stories.  More than anything, he enjoyed knowing the people of this country and their various communities.

This adventurous spirit also extended to the world but as well all know, he rarely travelled like a typical person would. 

Whether he was piloting his plane through 15 different countries with Dorothy and good friends Murray and Jannis, to get to the southern tip of South America, or sailing around Italy or Croatia, Allen always made a conscious effort to get off the beaten path so he could experience the people…he loved people, and they could feel his natural affection and warmth.

Like a true Canadian he helped to build this country…literally!  As a very successful and respected engineer, he had worked on countless projects that have helped to make Canada a better place, and as a result we have all benefited.

But his contribution to Canada didn’t stop there.  Allen served his country in the form of public service, as the Chair of the Engineers of Alberta and the Consulting Engineers of Canada. 
He helped to improve public policy and change our laws for the better as it applied to his industry and the safety of Canadians. 

He had a tireless work ethic and continued to lead by example but was always patient and understanding.  People always remarked how they enjoyed working with him and how he demonstrated natural leadership skills in everything he did.

But as most Canadians, his family was his true passion.  Whether in Edmonton or Ottawa, where I first met Allen, he spoke of them often, with immense pride, as a father and grandfather.  He cherished and loved them.  His family gave him the most meaning in life.

I was always struck by his infectious spirit.  He was always positive and encouraging.  I don’t think I can ever remember I time where I would not see him smiling. 

For me, he was always a source of inspiration.  Just recently, he sent me a note wanting celebrate a milestone in my life, together with his family, and I was truly touched.  He was genuinely excited and wished all the happiness and success life has to offer.

There is no doubt that Allen Williams experienced true happiness and success in life.

His impact to his friends, family and country was one of permanence.

In true Canadian form, he gave to his country, but did not expect anything in return.

Allen would say he was a proud Canadian…I would say he was a great Canadian.

He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. 

Allen, may your soul rest in eternal peace.