John William "Bill" Adams
June 30th, 2019
John William (Bill) Adams, age 79, passed peacefully at Regina, SK on June 30, 2019 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and more recently cancer. After many years in Ontario, Bill recently returned to Regina where he spent his last few weeks filled with laughter during family dinners with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Born in Cardinal, Ont., Bill worked as a deckhand on a tugboat during the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway. He loved to tell stories of his time on the boat and of the challenging working conditions that existed, many of which he tried to change. Following a brief stint as a Navigator with the Canadian military, Bill worked as a Chemical Operator for Du Pont of Canada. His unending commitment to people and desire to improve the workplace led to many years as a Union Representative for the Energy and Chemical Workers Union and later as President of his local.
Bill then moved to Regina, where he held various senior human resources and labour relations roles for the Saskatchewan Public Service Commission, the Saskatchewan Liquor Board, Crown Investments Corporation and Westbridge.
His collaborative approach to union/management relations led him to B.C.’s Public Sector Employers’ Council Secretariat, his own HR/LR consulting company, Atomic Energy of Canada, the City of Toronto, and finally to Canada Post. Before retiring at age 69, Bill joined the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region.
Always community-minded, Bill coached hockey and played broomball. As a lifelong member of the Royal Canadian Legion, he spent hours with friends playing euchre, cribbage and pool.
He is survived by his beloved wife Katy (nee Delanghe) of Regina, son Bill (Susan) of Regina, daughter Shelley of Vancouver, daughter Sarah (Brendan) of Regina, and his much-loved grandchildren Alyssa, Tyler, Jenna, Connor and Krista.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Roger and Patricia Adams, sister Joan (Bill) Cook, and brothers Donald (Mary Lou Murray) and Daniel (Barb) all of Ontario.
Funeral Service in his memory will take place on Monday, July 8, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in Resurrection Roman Catholic Church, 3155 Windsor Park Road, Regina, SK. followed by a Celebration of Life in the Church hall. Family and friends are welcome to join in this celebration.
In honour of Bill’s love of his hometown Cardinal, we ask everyone to wear a bit of “red”. Cardinals represent passion, endurance, and strength ~ they are persistent creatures who stick around all year, even during brutally cold winters. Bill embodied these qualities throughout his life. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the William Adams Humanitarian Award may be made to Sask. Polytechnic, Advancement Office, Regina Campus, PO Box 556, Regina, SK, S4P 3A3.
Messages:
In many ways it is easy to express our feelings about Bill. We met in the 70s during the campaign to merge our respective Unions into the Energy and Chemical Workers. We reconnected after our retirements and developed a special friendship with both Bill and Katy. We owe our move to Port Stanley to Bill's love to drive and show the many unique places the area had to offer. While Bill had a love of life and a great sense of humour, he also was passionate about injustices within Canada and the world. He loved Katy and his family so much. We will miss you old friend and will never forget you.
Dear Katy and family, it is so difficult to express our sorrow and heartfelt sympathy for your loss.I have known Bill both professionally and personally for many years and knew him as a man of great compassion and integrity. We will all miss him greatly but his infectious smile will never be forgotten. So many owe him so much.
Dear Katy Sonya and I are so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He was an extraordinary person expressed in all the people he knew. He was "the wind in so many peoples sails" We will be thinking of Billl at the time of the funeral. With great affection Roy and Sonya
I knew Bill all my life, having grown up in Cardinal. Played on the same high school football team, worked with him at DuPont and served as chief Steward, when he was president of the union. We worked together to form the Canadian Chemical Workers Union. We were both full time union reps. for the Canadian Chemical Workers Union. We shared many, many evenings together and had a great time sharing stories and experiences. When I became the Deputy Minister in BC, I offered, and he accepted the position as Executive Director, negotiating for the broad public sector. A life long friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
Hi Kate, I have many fond memories of Bill that date back to my childhood. He always seemed bigger than life to me and he was always genuinely interested in what I was doing which for a kid is a big deal. As an adult it was always great seeing Bill because we had lots to talk about when it came to labour relations and the labour movement. I think Bill put a lot of value in mentoring those that were coming along behind him and he was very gracious in that regard with me on a number of occasions. I am really sorry that I cannot be at the Service on Monday but my thoughts will be with you and all of Bill's family and friends. On behalf of Andy, Lilyanne and Amelia our deepest condolences Kate. Brian
Very sorry for your loss Kate, Billy, Shelley and Sarah. Bill was such a great person and an amazing uncle. I have so many fond memories of our visits where ever he lived over the years. We were all so lucky to have known him.I’ll always be thinking of him whenever I’m playing euchre at the legion, rest in peace Uncle Bill.
Kate, I am sorry for your loss. Bill was a great guy, always having fun. The fellows at the legion and I will all miss him at the pool and card tables. There will be an empty spot at the stars hockey arena, I miss the bantering we shared at the games. Rest in peace Bill.
Bill, Susan and family We are sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences to all of you.
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I will remember his big smile and am thankful for his assistance in helping me develop my Labour Relations interests. We had some great gathering in those early days at the PSC. He will be missed. I am not able to attend the mass and join in celebrating his life but I know he will be sent off in style.
Dear Katy and Family. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Mike and I will always remember the lovely time we shared with you and Bill at your place in Victoria and the many visits we had when you lived in Regina. Bill was always kind, thoughtful and funny. I hope that the memories you have made together will support you through this difficult time.
Sending love & hugs to all of you - Katy, Billy, Shelley & Sarah during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
I'm so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a good man with a large personality and sense of humour. May he rest in peace.
My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow, Katy and family. I wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Rest in peace, Bill. You were a remarkable man and everyone at PSC was better for having known you. For those of us that had the privilege of calling you "friend" outside of work, we were humbled by your kindness and compassion to everyone around you. Matt
Your Bill sounds like a wonderful man Katy, was so looking forward to getting to know 'our new neighbor'. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Randy and Nancy McCurdy
Our heartfelt sympathies to Sarah and family. Amanda and I were on this journey also with her dad passing of pancreatic cancer just 15 months ago and please know we are here for you sure n any way we can as it is a terrible crushing loss. Even expected. the passing of a loved one is a crushing blow to a family! God bless you all and take comfort in knowing he is forever free of anymore pain and suffering and is in Gods’ healing arms.
Bill always stopped to visit when he was home. We grew up together, raised our children together and in later years visited by phone. Even though his mind was challenged we could talk about the past as if it were today. I will miss those conversations. Please know that he will be missed by many old friends and we will spend some time telling old stories about our younger years with those who knew him well. Katy, Billy, Shelly and Sarah, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Ann
We send our sincere condolences to Katy, Bill, Shelley and Sarah as well as the extended clan so important to Bill and Katy. Since meeting Bill over forty years ago I have worked, driven with him across Canada a couple of times and even shared condo for the better part of a year and during that time, there were never any disagreements that were not quickly resolved with humour and common sense. Bill was a good friend. Christine and I will miss him as will most people who had the opportunity to know him. He loved Katy and his family. Bill made a point of staying in touch with a wide circle of friends who will now miss his cheerful banter. You were an original my friend - Godspeed on your next adventure. Tor and Christine
Bill was my first cousin - and good friend for over 50 years. I can't begin to express the loss we feel at this time. There were so many good times. His intellect, compassion, and especially his good humour, were immeasurable. We are so happy to have been able to spend some time with him just prior to the move to Regina. Debbie's and my thoughts and prayers are with you Katy, Bill, Shelley, and Sarah.
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sarah is like a sister to me. I wish I would have known her dad better. I know how close she was with her dad, just like I was with mine. Please know that my mom and I are here for your family whenever you need anything. xo I’m so glad you’re back in Regina. Hopefully we can have many mother/daughter get togethers where we can celebrate and remember our cherished, unique and beloved fathers and husbands.
My condolences to family and friends. Had the pleasure of working with Bill in Toronto. He was trustworthy and fair. He helped bring the Toronto Fire Fighters back from a dark period in our Labour Relations with the City. We are grateful for his efforts and friendship. Frank Ramagnano Toronto Fire Fighters President
Dear Kate and family. We cannot believe this happened so quick. We started thinking of all the fun time we shared in Mazatlan and how we managed to visit you in most of your homes across the country. Bill was a genuine people person and we are all better off for knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sarah and the family. Much love, Allan & Kris
I am truly so sorry for your loss. I don't know if there are enough words... Nor do I gave the right ones... I'm sending big hugs and lots of love your way. Love, Danielle.
Dear Katy, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill was a big part of my labour relations education on the management side. I learned a tremendous amount from him. I still tell Bill Adams stories to my colleagues — he had a special way with language that could make you laugh like no one else.
We are reflecting on all the many good things that Bill did in his lifetime. He was a wonderful friend. We hope that you, Katy and family, are able now to rest. We wish you comfort in knowing that Bill was always asking what he could do to help others. God Bless you Bill, and your family and friends!
I am thinking of you during this time. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Katy - I was thinking about Bill this morning, did my search and found that Bill has passed away. I am so sorry for you losing Bill - he was definitely of a kind. I owed him so much for bring me to the PSC, and all the great experiences of working with him. (That was 40+ years ago!) A truly unforgettable time for all who were there. I was also pleased that you came into his life and made him so happy. He loved you so much. Take care of yourself and your fine family.