Donald Ray Williams, Major General (Ret) CMM, OMM, CD, age 83, fighter pilot took his last flight into the arms of his Lord, Sunday, January 11, 2026. Mercifully he was released from his long and courageous fight with Parkinson’s Disease, one he fought with a warrior’s ethos, with dignity, grace, and strength. Don was surrounded by his loving family, Bonita Williams, heartfelt soul mate of 62 years, and devoted sons Mark and Ryan Williams. His legacy will continue with his sons, granddaughter, Rachel Williams Odland, her husband Tyrell Oldand & great grandson, Brogan Odland, grandson Matthew Williams, and granddaughters, Talia and Kaia Williams. Don was the eldest of his siblings who are Clifford Williams, Rhoda Gerard, Gary Williams, Ray Williams and Eugene Williams.
Born in Corvallis, Oregon, Don became a naturalized Canadian citizen at the age of three when his family moved to Saskatchewan. He joined the RCAF and graduated from Royal Military College in 1963 with a degree in civil engineering. Don completed his flight training earning his pilot’s wings in 1964 and married Bonita Smith in her hometown of Banff, Alberta, Canada. Their military journey together encompassed living in four countries, with The Villages in Florida being their twenty-fifth and final move.
Don reached the peak of his career as the Commander, Canadian Defense Liaison Staff and Canadian Defense Attaché, Canadian Embassy, Washington DC. His exceptional service being recognized already with his investiture as an Officer of the Order of Military Merit (OMM) in 1979, Don was subsequently appointed to the highest level of the Order as Commander (CMM) in 1993. Don would remark, unpretentiously, that he had a successful career as his takeoffs equaled his landings. Retired from the RCAF in 1996, he put on a business suit to join a US subsidiary of BAE Systems, a global defense, security and aerospace company. Later he formed his own company, Rymark Business Solutions, providing Strategic Program Management for DOD and other Defense companies.
Don was a leader, one dedicated to protecting his family, teaching his sons to project themselves to succeed living in a military family. He exposed them to worldwide experiences and taught them to be good men. Yearly vacations centered around the family clan of grandparents, siblings, and grandchildren, gathering around the abundant lakes of Minnesota and Wisconsin; and in the winter, skiing, always searching for the best powder. It was during these vacations that the teaching continued with every experience, and new life lessons were learned. He epitomized leadership by example!
Don was a masterful bridge player, a voracious reader and with his clever intellect and his subtle sense of humour kept us laughing to the very end. Dedicated to fitness, he was once recruited to play football for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and continued with his love of the game all through his life. He enjoyed competition, curling, tennis and playing golf with good-natured rivalry, mostly with all his brothers and sons.
As a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, we are grateful beyond measure for all Don did for our countries and to have loved and been loved by this remarkable man. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered with love and gratitude in our hearts. We are immensely fortunate to call him ours.
Donations (if wished) can be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson research.