Early in the afternoon of June 17, with Bob Marley playing in the background and him surrounded by friends, Rutland “Willy” Williams, made a peaceful passing to his next journey. That moment marked the end of the life on this earth of a very giving and kind hearted person, a person who would give selflessly of himself if it meant he could help someone else.
Rutland was born November 21, 1945 in Falmouth Jamaica. He remained in Jamaica until 1972 when he immigrated to Canada. Once in Canada he moved around quite a bit, eventually settling in Thunder Bay, where he loved living.
He left Jamaica, but Jamaica never left him - he was extremely proud of his culture and heritage. He had a real joy for life and genuinely loved being around people. His kind heart and easy going manner made it easy to become a friend. Laughing was a big part of who he was, even when the fun was at his expense.
Rutland was a cook by trade, beginning his career in his home country by working in hotels and restaurants before coming to Canada. After arriving in Canada, he continued with his love for cooking Island foods, eventually having led to him becoming a business owner, applying the trade he loved.
He cooked traditional foods for as many people as possible through his restaurant, catering and through the Thunder Bay Country Market. Through food, he was able to display the pride he had for his heritage and culture. When you ate his food it was his way of bringing Jamaica to you. His customers were more than just customers - they became friends.
Rutland had a great love for music. It was unusual to be around him without the sounds of the Islands or some jazz or blues or Motown music playing.
His children grew up and now live in many different parts of the world, having children and grandchildren in Canada, Australia, the United States and in Jamaica.
As Bob Marley put it “Live for yourself and you will live in vain; Live for others and you will live again.”
You’ll be missed by all those whose lives you touched.
A service will be held at Jenkens Funeral Home, 226 South Syndicate Avenue, on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and to pay their respects.
In his memory, a donation to the charity of your choice is appreciated. Or, at the service, we will be accepting donations to The Estate of Rutland Williams in order to assist with his wish of making Jamaica his final resting place.
