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’m truly going to miss my uncle. We had many great talks, we laughed, we cried together. I’m going to miss him calling me every day and saying I just called to say I love you. I will always cherish memories and songs he sang to me when I was a little girl. Always and forever. I love you my uncle, you will truly be missed. Your niece Dorothy.
I met Skip on the football and baseball fields of El Centro. To say I played “with” Skip suggests I belonged. I did not. Skip was a man amongst boys. For all of his physical gifts, he had a calm and joyful spirit about him. Sincerest condolences to the Williams family. Peace be with you.
My heart felt condolences to the entire Williams Family. Skipper as some of us called him will truly be missed. Boy could he talk. He called me several months ago and he talked for about two hours. I believe that was God’s way of letting us say good bye. What a momentous conversation . But now the Angels in Heaven has called your name. RIP my Brother ❤️
The Robinson family send condolences and prayers to the Williams family. May God give you peace in your life changing time.
My condolences to all the family we the De La Cruz and the Williams were childhood friends/neighbors many years ago skipper came to visit me may you rest in peace friend
So sad for everyone left behind. But don’t be too sad. Skip had a great life & enjoyed it on his terms. You really can’t ask for more than that.❤
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Big Skip. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. May God lovingly wrap his arms around you during this time. I lived right across the street from the Williams’ family and spent much time in their home. Blessings and love to each of you.
Skip,
I will miss our regular conversations–more recently on your Platinum Birthday. Thank you for your encouragement and your love for the family. You spoke much of our strong foundation that Mom and Dad established while growing up in El Centro, and how our foundation was a catalyst for anything we faced in the future. It was simply our choice to “glean” from it.
I enjoyed my visits to Canada and spending time with you, Barbara, and your family as well with our siblings.
You shared in our most recent conversations how important it is for us to “stick together” especially as we grow older. You were so thankful that you reached 70 years on August 25, 2022, and you stated, “70 years is what God promised and anything beyond that is just a blessing of ‘extra time”. Anasa enjoyed her conversations with you. Thank you for being an encouragement to my grandsons, Randon and Mylon. You were quite instrumental in encouraging me to complete my Master of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation for which I am truly grateful.
I recently took an airplane trip to Boston, and I took pictures of the beautiful CLOUDS which appeared to have personalities. A song about you being there “in the CLOUDS” surfaced. The CLOUDS reminded me of the “great cloud of witnesses” who transitioned before us which includes you. (Hebrews 12:2). Skip, I am reminded that you are one of those witnesses, along with Mom, Dad, Junior, Regina, Quinton, Donna, and many more who are cheering us here on earth. You are letting us know that “we got this”, we can make it, and to maintain our relationship with God, and that we will see you again.
I will miss you, I will miss our frequent telephone conversations, and encouraging each other. I know I will see you again.
Much Love,
Big Sis, Carol
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad time.
We will cherish our great memories of Skip.
Big hugs and love to all!!!
Uncle Bruce, Auntie Mo
and family.♥️
My condolences to the family, sending hugs and prayers.