Dr. Charles “Red” Williams, O.C. established Sherbrooke’s first legacy gift
On March 26, 2018 Charles “Red” Williams completed his remarkable life’s journey. He passed away while living at Sherbrooke Community Centre, the home he devoted so much of his life to. We cannot thank you enough, Red.
Veteran, O.C., and Professor Emeritus
The biography of Red Williams is an epic one. Born in Regina in 1925, Williams was a World War II veteran, a member of the Order of Canada and a fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada. He taught at the University of Saskatchewan for over 50 years, during which time he served as head of the Animal and Poultry Science department and worked extensively on the university’s extension programs.
“In my lifetime, we went from steam engines to combines and GPS. We’ve increased the productivity of livestock in the dairy industry by about fourfold and, of course, replaced the horse with machinery. It’s been a huge advancement,” Williams reflected on developments during his lifetime.
Active in retirement
Although he formally retired in 1991, Williams, as Professor Emeritus, continued to teach at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources until 2008. His lectures and his extension work took him all over the world, and he assisted in more than 30 overseas development projects. For over 25 years, he maintained a radio show and newspaper column.
Service to Sherbrooke
Williams served nearly 30 years on the Sherbrooke Foundation Board from 1988 to 2017. He also sat on the Board of Sherbrooke Community Society from 1993 to 2017. We often joked that Red never left the Board because we wouldn’t let him go. During that time he helped to develop Sherbrooke into a world class home for Elders.
Establishing planned giving at Sherbrooke
Williams was a generous donor to Sherbrooke and chaired the Sherbrooke Foundation for many years. His big heart and keen mind made him a much-loved member of our community and a passionate supporter of Veterans Village at Sherbrooke. His heart has always been with Sherbrooke and he is highly respected and loved member of our community.
Williams started the Sherbrooke Foundation Planned Giving Program by planning an estate gift with a life insurance policy.
Naming Green Gables House at Sherbrooke’s Kinsmen Village
We recognized Williams’ long years of service and generosity by naming a house in Sherbrooke’s Kinsmen Village in his honour.
Green Gables House is named for his mother Charlotte (MacDonald) Williams and his aunt Dorothy MacDonald, both born in Prince Edward Island. The name Green Gables reflects their friendship with Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables. Charlotte and Dorothy were friends of Lucy during their time at Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown, PEI. The sisters came to Saskatchewan and began teaching in small communities south of Regina. In their later years the sisters shared a room together in the Cedars wing of the old Sherbrooke buildings.
To learn more about creating your own lasting legacy with Sherbrooke Foundation, visit Legacy Giving.