Soldier, community activist.
Born at Minnedosa on 13 July 1926 to Gladys (1897-1972) and Roy Edward Williamson (1889-1980), he attended school in Minnedosa and Brandon until 1943, when he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Second World War. He served continuously from 1943 until 1989, in the Airborne Infantry of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Airforce Army Corps, and Canadian Intelligence Corps Security Branch. His military career ended as a staff officer at the Regional Air Command Headquarters.
Over the years he had close connections with the Cadet Leagues in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario and received honours from them for his services. He served as a Director of the Air Cadet League and was a Life Member of the International Peace Garden. He was also a dedicated Legion worker. He was President and Life Member of Stonewall Branch #52; Commander of District #5; Third, Second, and First Vice President of Command; and President of the Manitoba and Northwest Ontario Command from 1997 to 1999.
In 1947, he married Lila Ellen “Jean” Simpson (1927-2020), with whom he had two children. The couple had earlier attended school together in Brandon and lived all over Canada and Europe as his postings took them, settling in Stonewall in 1977. He loved music and participated in festival and group singing, and in his younger years played in three volunteer brass bands. Other interests were reading newspapers, non-fiction literature, and poetry.
He died on 14 July 2010 and was buried in the Stonewall Cemetery.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 21 July 2010.
“Norris Williamson,” Vopni Family Tree, Ancestry.
Obituary [Lila E. Jean Williamson], Mundle’s Funeral Home, Pugwash, Nova Scotia.
This page was prepared by Lois Braun.
Page revised: 2 December 2025
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