Williams, Grant Alexander (b.1930)
Former CEO, Howard Williams Ltd

Passed away peacefully on March 20, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Grant is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean Williams (Coyle), and his children; Dr. Janet Lalonde, Grant Jr (Dr. Joanne Barabash), Shawn Halloran (Rick) and Todd Williams (Lindsay). Grant loved his grandchildren zealously: Carly & Tyler Williams, Michael & Paul Lalonde, Chris & Rob Halloran and Emily & Katie Williams. Grant was born in Hamilton and attended Ridley College and McMaster University. Grant and Jean were married in 1952 in Hamilton. He was a GIA Graduate Gemologist, and was President & CEO of Howard Williams Ltd from 1956-1996 where he and Jean travelled the globe to find beautiful pieces of fine estate jewellery and in turn sold them to loyal customers. Many marriages began with a black box from Howard Williams Ltd. Sons Grant Jr and Todd joined their parents in the business. The store was a Hamilton landmark for 120 years and then in 1998 the store moved to Downtown Oakville where it was transferred to the third generation. Grant was an avid technology enthusiast. His ham radio handle VE3LWB provided him with thousands of connections with other operators across the globe. From his photo darkrooms to the internet to the first generation ipod, Grant always had the latest gadget to show his kids and grandkids. The family home in Burlington was the family gathering place every weekend in summer, complete with bbq lunch, hours in the pool and a rousing game of Bocce. Nothing pleased Grant more than to see his family having fun together. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to St. Peter’s Long-Term Care facility in Hamilton, and the nurses who cared so gracefully for Grant. A visitation and celebration of life will take place at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 485 Brant Street (one block North of City Hall), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Friday March 22, 2013 from 6-9 p.m. Remembrances are welcome in Grant’s name at Nature Conservancy of Canada (charity #11924 6544 RR0001).