print this page
close this page

Sherman Archibald Williams

1939-2021

Sherman Archibald Williams

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) Ojay, 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, Blomidon Naturalist Society or a 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
Service Date
Saturday, July 24, 2021
Service Location
Private, Invitation Only Service. A video webcast will be available at 3:00 p.m.

Requested Charity
Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Blomidon Naturalist Society or charity of choice