Obituary of Alan Edward Williamson

WILLIAMSON – Mr. Alan 1923 – 2019 On Sunday, February 3, 2019, Alan Edward Williamson, late of Shellbrook passed away peacefully at the Wheatland Lodge Care Home at the age of 96. Alan was born on January 30, 1923 at the family home, a small cabin on a farm in the Loon Lake District, SK. Later he moved half a mile west where his father, with the help of the family and friends, built a large two-storey house. Alan could remember his father taking part in family gatherings, he remembered going for rides on his father’s shoulders, but sadly his father passed away when Alan was only five years old, and the family responsibilities fell on his mother and older siblings. Alan and his family enjoyed their new home where they shared many family experiences. All the children attended the local Loon Lake School, just about a half mile west of their place. Alan went through school, taking high school by correspondence, with the teacher marking and helping with the course. He graduated grade eleven in 1939 and took further education at the School of Agriculture in 1944 – 1946; and later the College of Commerce course in Local Administration and Accounting. He worked at several locations including La Ronge and across the prairies, but his main interest was the farm he bought in 1947. Alan was always interested in sports; he enjoyed hockey, baseball and softball, and met his future wife Ethel Reenie Nichols on baseball outings. Alan and Ethel married in 1950 and raised their own family of three in the following years. In 1957, Alan took a job as village clerk in the Village of Loon Lake, but continued to farm for a few years. Later he sold the farm, but purchased a quarter section close to the village and built a sand greens golf course on it. This was a fairly popular spot in the summer as tourists came to the lake country, and both they and the local people enjoyed the golf course. In 1963, Alan took a job with the Local Improvement Branch of Municipal Affairs in Saskatchewan, and clerked and administrated Local Improvement Districts on the southern prairies at Wood Mountain and Eastend, Saskatchewan. When these L.I.D.’s formed into municipalities, his job was at an end, so he moved to Shellbrook as administrator of the Town and R.M. of Shellbrook. When he retired from this position, Alan stayed in Shellbrook and enjoyed his retirement years here. His favorite pastimes included golf, curling, reading, writing, and painting. Alan is survived and remembered by his wife of 68 years, Ethel Williamson; his children, Lorraine Bashforth, Roger Williamson (Beth Siemens), Carey Williamson (Susan Tourigny); his grandchildren Kelly Bashforth and Leah (Bashforth) Iwanczuk , Sara and Jennifer Williamson, and Josie and Ella Williamson; his great-grandchildren Cooper and Declan Bashforth, and Daniel and Nathan Iwanczuk; his sister-in-law Ione Williamson and step-sister-in-law Carol Studer, as well as numerous extended family members and friends. Alan was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Mary (nee: Plewes) Williamson; his siblings, Ruth James, Ray Williamson, Lina Studer, Alice Robson, Gordon Williamson, Wannie Jane, George Williamson, Max Williamson, and step-brother Franklin Studer. As per Alan’s wishes, there will be a private graveside service held at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Alan may consider Wheatland Lodge Foundation (Box 130, Leask, SK S0J 1M0). Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home – Tammy Smart – Director (Shellbrook 306-747-2828).