May 27, 1947 – July 31, 2025
at the age of 78 years:
Cecil George Williamson (78) of Salmon Arm and Tappen and longtime resident of Canoe, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Cecil and Lena (nee Mariash) Williamson, the family moved to Vancouver and then to Kamloops where Cecil grew up.
At a young age, and with a driver’s license in hand, Cecil started driving a delivery truck for Roy Bertoli. This developed into a lifelong career of driving trucks of all descriptions. This passion also took Cecil to many stops in Western Canada. In the late 1990’s Cecil landed in Salmon Arm and went to work for Blackburn Excavating Ltd. Cecil remained with the Backburn organization until his retirement.
Cecil had a remarkable ability to connect with everyone he met. In retirement he would make his rounds in Salmon Arm to chat with friends. Cecil continued his love for the road by making small road trips throughout BC. Cecil also continued the family tradition of model building, working on puzzles and added diamond dots.
Cecil is survived by his son Shawn, his stepmother May Wotta, sister Sharie (the late Kerry) Smith, brother Evan (Marilyn), stepbrother Norman Wotta, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and his former wife Gertrude Fry and stepchildren Heather & Rob. He is preceded in death by his parents and stepfather Lucky Coates.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations to a charity of your choice or the BC Lung Foundation (https://bclung.ca) would be greatly appreciated.
Cecil rest in peace. You will be greatly missed by all those that loved and cared for you. I know I miss our phone calls, text messages, having coffee together and even going for dinner. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Even though we were separated we still did things together and were always there for each other. Fly high above the mountains and I know you will be watching over us with all those that left before you.
Until we meet again RIP with Velcro by your side.
Love always and forever ❤️
Gertie
We were saddened to hear that our very good friend has passed. We knew Cecil in Kamloops back in the late 1960’s, and remained friends over the years, visiting, chatting on the phone…just talked to him recently after his move into Salmon Arm care home! Our sincerest condolences to Family
Cec…RIP
Lovenly, Jim & Sheila West. Merritt, BC
Cecil my father was a good man from what I remember when I was younger when we lived in Abbotsford and then living in chiliwack he will be sadly missed he loved his 2 grandchildren he made a diamond art portrait of them both he got me loving trains as he did and grandad Cecil would I remember going to stetler
To a good old friend Cecil Williamson, whom I worked with for years at Jacobson Ford in Salmon Arm. Over the years I know Cecil believed in God as he told me many times. .
When a friend leaves this earthly realm, we may experience profound sadness. Yet, we can find solace in the hope of eternal life, a promise that is repeated throughout scripture. Knowing that our friend is in a place free from pain and sorrow helps us cherish their memory while also reminding us of the joyful reunion that awaits us. In these tough moments, we can hold onto the assurance that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a glorious eternity where we will see our loved ones again. This verse highlights the beauty of God’s promise of resurrection and the life to come, filling our hearts with hope.
JOHN 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’” –
Sorry to hear of your passing Cecil it came as a bit of a shock as my dad had said he seen you a week or two ago and talked to you, it was always a pleasure working with you and your advice when I was a rookie truck driver. RIP Cecil