Sherman Archibald Williams
1939-2021
Sherman Williams – It is with deep sadness that
we announce the loss of a loving husband, devoted father, doting
Grampy, and remarkable human being. After a valiant fight with cancer,
Sherman Archibald Williams, of Avonport, NS, passed away on July 16,
2021. Born in Noranda, Quebec he was the eldest son of Sherman and
Violet Williams in a family of 13 children. As an infant, he moved
with his parents to the family farm in Pugwash Junction where he spent
his childhood and teenage years surrounded by vast expanses of land to
explore and nurture his sense of wonder. Over the years, this sense of
wonder remained core to his life, both personally and professionally,
and he was always able to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. In
his teaching and personal relationships, he shared his sense of wonder
with others of all ages through workshops, field trips, meandering
walks, presentations, and camp settings – inspiring many along the
way.
After graduating from Oxford Regional High
School, Sherman attended the Nova Scotia Agriculture College, Nova
Scotia Teachers College and Acadia University graduating with a
Bachelor of Science and Teacher Certification. He taught at
the middle and high school levels in the public school system for
thirty-five years in locations such as Cape Breton, the Annapolis
Valley, and Alberta. He served as a summer park naturalist for Cape
Breton Highlands and Kejimkujik National Parks for several years.
Also, Sherman was active as a leader in areas such as Army Cadets,
Cubs, Boy Scouts, Venturers, 4-H, Acadia University Continuing
Education and Elderhostel programs. Sherman was a founding member and
first president of the Blomidon Naturalist group. He was instrumental
in helping to initiate the Blomidon Naturalist calendar, which in his
lifetime was a significant fund raiser to promote and support
environmental projects. Moreover, he was an active member in many
groups such as the NS Bird Society where he was involved in bird
counts for over 30 years, the Royal Astronomical Society, the Minas
Astronomy Group, N.S. Clan Cameron, NS Science Teachers Association;
NS Science Fairs, and a founding member of the Margaret King
Historical Society, Pugwash – honouring the namesake of the first
school he attended in
Pugwash.
Sherman had a deep love of the sky and
influenced hundreds as he led starring sessions, shared observations,
and knowledge. He, also, had a keen interest in fossils and
the tides. He passionately observed the tidal bore at Mantua on a
regular basis and helped many tourists understand this wonder through
conversations and tide charts, which he himself constructed. Various
tourist bureaus and restaurants relied on Sherman’s tide
charts to share with tourists. Sherman was indeed a lifelong learner
and often spoke of Margaret MacLeod, his grade 2 teacher; Dr. Sherman
Bleakney, former professor, Acadia University; and Dr. Roy Bishop,
lifelong friend and astronomy companion, as being very influential in
his life and learning.
Above all, Sherman was very proud of his wife
Beverley and his two sons, Stephen and «Kento». He
always was ready to support them in their endeavours and celebrate
their successes. Moreover, he loved, enjoyed, and cherished his five
grandchildren: Ben, Ryan, Meghan (Houston, B.C.), Hannah and Olivia
(Wolfville). Time with family and siblings was of utmost importance to
Sherman.
Sherman is survived by his soul mate and love
of his life – his wife, Beverley; sons: Kent, Wolfville; and
Stephen (Jennifer), Houston, B.C.; brothers: Andrew (Irene), Ben
(Gwen), Bill, David (Gail), Gene, Gordon; sisters: Patricia (Jack)
Briggins, Gloria Merlin, Susan (Larry) Rushton – all of Cumberland
County, NS; Mary (Larry) Oja, Alberta; Lorna (
Larry) Mac Kenzie, Ontario; Verity Dixon (mother to Hannah and
Olivia); many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother,
Alvin, his mother and father, sister-in-law, Heather Williams and
brother-in-law, Paul Merlin.
Cremation has taken place under the direction
of the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private celebration of
Sherman’s life will be held, by invitation only, in the
White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. A video webcast of the
celebration will be available on Saturday, July 24 at 3:00
p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer
Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your
choice. For online condolences, inquiries and to view the
video webcast, please visit
www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.
Special thanks to Dr. P. Segato, Dr. R. Mc
Farlane, Dr. W. Morzycki, Dr. K. Burch and the Palliative Care Team,
VRH, and especially the VON for their ongoing support and care
throughout his struggle with
cancer.
As Sherman leaves his worldly home to become
part of the universe in the cycle of life, let us think of the
following words which embody his experiences and
spirit:
«To stand at the edge of the sea, to
sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist
moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds
that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for
untold thousands of years, to see the running of the old eels and the
young shad to the sea, is to have knowledge of things that are as
nearly eternal as any earthly life can be……..Drink in the beauty
and wonder at the meaning of what you see.» (Rachel
Carson)
«Remember,
we are all stardust.» (Sherman
Williams)
Click here to View Condolences
19392021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Sherman Archibald Williams 19392021..
Décès pour la Ville: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia