Retired federal politician and Member of Parliament for St. Albert Constituency, John Glass Williams FCGA passed in to the Eternal Kingdom of Our Almighty Father, surrounded by his loving family and faithful Clergy on Monday, July 15, 2024 at the age of 77.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Dr. Christine Botchway of 18 years, his three children and four grandchildren*: Miss Vienna Williams, Mr. James Allan Williams (Terri) Dashel* and Mr. John Munro Williams (Natalie) Sullivan*, Lucian*, John Shephard "Sheppie" Williams*. He will also be sorely missed by his elder siblings Lesley Smith, Banchory Scotland, Neil Williams (Jan) Ballater Scotland, Dr Dorothy Middleton (Stuart) Saskatoon along with many nieces and nephews (Irene, Jane, Brian, Neil, Ian, Wendy, Carol), his sisters-in-law Suzanne Botchway (Conrad), Shona Jummun, Morag Munro their families, innumerable friends, mentees, and those whose lives he touched and inspired in an authentic unforgettable way as he rendered outstanding, courageous selfless service, fearlessly demanding accountability, truth and justice, for both his faith in his Lord Jesus Christ and his beloved country Canada.
He was predeceased by his mother and father Mrs. Emily Glass and John Riach Williams of Aboyne /Ballater area Scotland and his beloved wife of 23 years Carol Williams who was originally from Perth Scotland. He was also predeceased by his brothers-in-law Ian Smith, Harry Jummun and David Botchway.
John Glass Williams was first and foremost a humble country boy with a dry but wicked sense of humor, who never forgot his childhood Scottish roots in Aberdeenshire bordering on the grounds of the famous Balmoral castle. Though his political work took him far and wide to dine in the presence of ambassadors, nobility and leaders of nations, he was never more content than when back in his rural Alberta puttering around his hobby farm with his beloved pet jersey cows Betsy and Daisy, and constructing the newest state of the art quarters for his chickens. This joy was rivaled only by gathering with dearly loved friends and family both in Alberta and Scotland.
John was born into a farming family on a cold Scottish winter on December 31 in 1946. He grew up on the beautiful Scottish hills of Aboyne on a small working farm that he loved and on which, the life experience derived thereof, shaped his faith, political savvy, work ethic and forged his unique identity. He was educated at the rustic stone Glentanner School that stands to this day, where he excelled in physics and mathematics.. At a young age he left school and worked for the Clydesdale Bank both in Aberdeen and later on the Shetland Islands.
Greatly influenced by his maternal Uncle Jim Glass who had been a manager at the Hudson's Bay Company, he moved to Canada in 1970, starting a career with the Royal Bank of Canada.. In 1971, He met his first beloved wife Carol Munro, whom he married in 1975 and with whom he had two children Allan and Munro. He worked as a property manager and later owned and managed his own accounting business Williams & Co Ltd in St. Albert before leaving the city, purchasing a farm and entering into politics.
On October 25, 1993 he was elected as MP (Reform party led by Preston Manning) for St. Albert Constituency, whose borders included Spruce Grove, Stoney Plain Morinville, Sturgeon and Parkland Counties and Northern Edmonton. He began his 15-year service to Canada representing Alberta and the West. Like many of his Albertan colleagues he lived in Ottawa during the week and travelled back to Alberta each Thursday night to hear from and serve his constituents. On October 12, 1998 sadly, he lost his beloved wife Carol of 23 years to cancer.
He continued to serve as chair of the Public Accounts committee, for Parliament of Canada's Standing Committee on Public Accounts (1997-2005) prior to and during the infamous sponsorship scandal and was known for his no-nonsense approach and distaste for waste and corruption. He also founded the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) and championed democracy and justice: his catch phrase being" no one voted for poverty". His work took him all over the world to liaise with politicians and seek to eradicate corruption. He was also author of the well known "waste report " which illustrated his dislike of waste of resources, extravagance or indeed partisan rhetoric. He formed strong lasting friendships and despite his strict work protocols he generously offered mentorship and support for those with whom he worked with a view to elevate them towards their goals.
In 2006, he married his second beloved wife Dr. Christine Botchway of West African and Caribbean descent introduced to him by his dear friend the late Hon David Kilgour. They have one daughter Vienna 17 years old. He retired from federal politics in 2008 but continued to work on GOPAC as well as mentor other young upcoming politicians some of which are in federal politics today. He retired from GOPAC in 2013 and spent much of his time on a never-ending stream of projects either farm related or assisting neighbours and friends pursue justice. He was a member of the Rotary Club and in addition to many volunteer roles, formed strong friendships, resulting in what came to be known as the Friday Morning Boys Coffee in St. Albert. often hosted by his dear friend and mentor Charlie Schroeder.
In 2018- 2024 despite his own failing health, he embarked upon his own final personal, and perhaps his most important battle, to stand up and proclaim truth to the Ecclesiastical powers that presently be, and to the political, internal erosion and watering down of the core teachings of our Christian faith to fit modern day culture. He boldly defended the truth of the simplicity, authenticity and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though standing with a relatively small faithful core, he courageously upheld and defended the core truths of the gospel with no concern of the cost to his person, :namely the power of repentance, the blood of The Lamb and the truth of resurrection of Christ. Though severely scapegoated and savagely penalized for his fearless defense of the gospel he boldly accepted all the repercussions for his defense of the core truth principles of the gospel and bearing no malice against the absolute rejection of his detractors and the defamation of his person he humbly acknowledged what he called his meagre contribution to The Kingdom and continued to trust in the mercy love grace and truth of Jesus Christ until his final breath. He was one of a kind. There never was, and never will be another John Glass Williams.
Our hearts grieve with the physical loss of his presence but we are comforted with the truth that you John Glass Williams, spirit and soul dwell in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and we will meet you again. Rest in peace with The One whom you followed, The One who died on the tree and whose blood sacrifice alone afforded you entry into His everlasting Kingdom.
You have served well, your country and your God.
Rest Well John Glass Williams in the Love of God through Jesus our Christ.
Celebration of Life: August 10, 2024, 11:30 a.m. (Public Viewing 10:30 a.m.)
Location West Meadows Baptist Church 9333 199 St T5T 6E8
Officiating Minister Rev Dr. Rodger McEachern
Live streaming details at Glenwood Memorial (www.glenwoodmemorial.com)
