Herman “Skip” Lee Williams, age 70, of Victoria, BC passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Skip was born on August 25, 1952, in El Centro, California to a large family with 11 siblings. Affectionately known as “Big Skip” he was literally and figuratively larger than life. He was big in presence and personality. He knew how to command a room and engage people in conversation. He loved singing, being the center of attention and making people laugh with his wonderful sense of humor; if he knew you, he undoubtedly had an endearing nickname for you. He was a devout Christian and believed deeply in his faith.
Herman attended the University of Texas on a football scholarship. He later played defensive lineman for the Honolulu Hawaiians in the World Football League, the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League, and the Edmonton Eskimos, and Saskatchewan Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League. He eventually worked for several decades as a longshoreman with the Waterfront Employers of BC.
Skip is survived by his four children, Ajamu, Aisha, Aaron, and Kamika; his five grandchildren Autumn, Leah, Markus, Sarai, and Jonah; his seven siblings; his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom he loved very much. Skip is predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Hosa, and his siblings, Hosa Jr., Regina, Donna, and Quinton.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 15 , 2022 at 10:00 am at McCall Gardens, Sequoia Centre, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC V8Y 1B4, where we will share stories and say our final goodbyes.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
http://www.mccallgarden.com
26 Responses
I am expressing my belated condolences for Skip as I got separated from seeing him during the Pandemic in 2020. I just found out today 🙁 We had many years of friendship playing Basketball together in Victoria, BC and having endless fun with all our friends off the court! My family all knew Skip and loved it when a meal he prepared was served for us all and good friends! Skip dutifully served as my groomsman for our wedding in 1987 and Susan and I will forever be grateful for him and what he meant to us all!
RIP Big Skip – Respectfully Big Mike and family ❤️
To my dear friend Skip,
I look back on those day growing up in El Centro with fondest memories playing sports together (farm league baseball through high school basketball and football),and always, without fail, being intertained by you. Those were happy days! You were Great !!May you rest in peace, my friend.
The Franks family said a special prayer for you today, and will keep the repose of your soul in our daily prayers.
Love you man!
Forever your friend,
Tony ‘Nino’ Franks
Love you Uncle Skip Rest in Heaven Tell my grandma I miss her
I met Skip on the street in Victoria. He saw me across the street and started yelling, “hey brother” just out of the blue, and ever since then he and I formed a friendship and bond that was special. We started playing softball. We spent so much time together, partying, singing playing dominoes, went fishing, barbecue and yes we drank a lot, we also prayed together. He was a very spiritual man who loved his family and cared deeply for his friends. He was as much my brother as all my other. I last talked to him on his birthday, family was what he talked about, his love for Aaron and Kamika. I will always cherish that last conversation. Now God has called him home. Fare ye well my great friend. If anyone wants to share some stories about him feel free to contact me.
Hey Dad… same old song!
Love, your baby girl ❤️
Dad,
No words can describe the way I feel. Played the last voicemail you left me this morning. Thank you to everyone who came to say goodbye and all those who reached out❤️