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Late 91原创 City councillor Evan Williams remembered

鈥楿ltimate salesman鈥 described as 鈥榓 fixture in downtown 91原创鈥
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Flags were lowered to half mast at 91原创 City Hall in honour of long-time councillor Evan Williams, who passed away on Jan. 5. at the age of 87. (Special to 91原创 Advance Times)

Flags were lowered to half mast at 91原创 City Hall in honour of long-time councillor Evan Martin Williams, who passed away on Jan. 5. at the age of 87.

Williams, who was first elected to 91原创 City council in 1993, served for nine years, during which he initiated and oversaw several projects, including the new City hall.

A memorial posting on the City website described him as 鈥渁 fixture in downtown 91原创, regularly visiting local businesses and chatting with merchants and other residents.鈥

An obituary published by his family described Williams as the 鈥渦ltimate salesman鈥 who sold cantaloupes off his bicycle as a child, and 鈥済raduated to knocking on doors peddling powdered milk as a young dad.鈥

His career path included life insurance sales, equipment sales, general sales manager for a large truck dealership with 14 branches and 400 employees, and president and general manager for a heavy equipment manufacturing company.

Williams developed commercial real estate, and managed his own real estate holdings, which included refurbishing and restoring heritage buildings like the landmark Federal Building at 20408 Douglas Cres., where he based his business for many years before selling the property.

READ ALSO: Made to last: why the Federal Building still stands in 91原创 City (with video)

For many years, Williams coached his sons鈥 minor hockey and lacrosse teams and facilitated the purchase that brought a Junior 鈥楢鈥 Hockey team to 91原创, the 91原创 Eagles, who played in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League from 1981 to 1987.

He is survived by his wife Marion of 67 years, three children Natalie, Alan, and Byron, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

91原创 City Mayor Nathan Pachal said 鈥淓van led by example, as was evidenced by his commitment to City council, his success as a local business person, and his strong connections to family and friends. He worked closely with others to encourage them to consider getting more involved in local politics and served as a mentor to many. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and family.鈥

His City profile notes Williams had 鈥渁 passion for business and was very involved with the Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown 91原创 Business Association (DLBA)鈥 where he served three years as DLBA board chair.

READ ALSO: Four 91原创 City-owned buildings are coming down



Dan Ferguson

About the Author: Dan Ferguson

Best recognized for my resemblance to St. Nick, I鈥檓 the guy you鈥檒l often see out at community events and happenings around town.
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