Obituary of Owen Williams

Owen Donnelly Williams of Woodrow, SK, passed away on December 7, 2018, at the age of 88. Owen was born on May 5, 1930, to Thomas and Hildred (nee Donnelly) Williams. Owen was proud to have been born on the family farm. He attended Reimche School, which was a mile down the road. A school pony was required to get there and back, and thus began the life of an avid and accomplished horseman. Owen’s parents enrolled him in a private school in Winnipeg for his high school years. He attended the Agriculture program at the University of Saskatchewan. After completing his university education, Owen was ready to come back to the farm. It was around this time that Owen met a beautiful neighbour girl by the name of Ema Tosczak. Owen and Ema were married on October 5, 1951, and they moved into a bunkhouse on the farm. They spent their first winter working in Calgary, and moved back home in the spring to start their farming career and their family. They were blessed with two children, Bev and Tom. In 1960, Owen decided that the farm needed horses and bought his first horses at the Moose Jaw Auction. Owen had an eye for good looking horses, and eventually decided to go in to purebred horses. In 1961, Owen bought his first two Quarter Horse mares. At this time, the breed was still relatively new in Canada. From then on, Owen produced many top-quality Quarter Horses that were sold all over North America and even Europe. Owen was not only a breeder, but also a judge and instructor. There were many clinics hosted on the farm over the years, and this contributed to a renewed interest in the horse industry in the area. One of the highlights of Owen’s career was his mare, Mitzi Adair, becoming an AQHA champion. In 2001, Owen was presented a life membership to the Saskatchewan Cutting Horse Association, and was also a life member of the America Quarter Horse Association. In 2000, Owen was thrilled to visit the AQHA headquarters in Amarillo, Texas. As his horse herd was being increased, he was also involved in building a herd of black Angus cattle, of which he was extremely proud of. In the fall, many family members would come out for Owen and Ema’s Thanksgiving cattle drive. Owen was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed reading about the history of Western Canada. He was a life long learner, and taught himself how to cook and garden when Ema became ill. Several years ago, Owen decided he wanted to learn how to use a computer and was introduced to the world of technology. Owen had a great spirit for life. He was busy, but always had time to have coffee with a friend or touch base with a phone call. He loved a good visit and a drink at the kitchen table. He taught his family the importance of tradition and values, and was able to mix the old traditions with new ideas. He truly was an adaptable person. Owen will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Owen was predeceased by his loving wife Ema Williams. He is survived by his daughter Bev (Cliff) Clampitt; son Tom (Carmen) Williams; special friend Deanna Meunier; grandchildren: Trudy Stewart, Jaime (Ryan) Hayes, Shane Williams, Craig (Julie) Williams, Jared (Shereen) Williams; great grandchildren: Joshua & Cali Stewart, Neyla & Cormick Hayes, Emily, Jacelyn & Ava Williams, Vann, Jett & Luxx Williams, London, Lorelai & Luna Williams. Celebration of Life Service was held on Friday, December 14, 2018, 2:00 p.m., at the Woodrow Gospel Chapel, with Pastor Rick Hawreschuk officiant. A poem was read by nephew Owen Zoerb. The eulogy was shared by granddaughter Trudy Stewart. Musical tribute by Bladeyn Streib and Brexsen Streib. Family interment will take place at a later date at the Woodrow Municipal Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Owen to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 36 Eglinton Ave. W., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M4R 1A1.