Michael Williams

Michael Dudley Williams, 71, of Brantford, Ontario, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025. Born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Etta Sophia Roy and Johnny Edward Williams, Sr. Raised in Port Mouton with his two sisters, six brothers and countless cousins, Michael’s childhood sparkled with playful rivalry—setting the stage for his laid‑back yet spirited demeanor. At 19, he ventured west—working in fisheries and factories in British Columbia and Alberta—before settling in Oshawa, Ontario. He spent many years working at the GM Bumper factory. Evenings and weekends found him working in bars. Though modest in size, his spunky, fair-minded nature made him a trusted bouncer in several bars across Canada. His favorite was The Simcoe in Oshawa where he met Patty who gave him a wonderful son they named Paul. When his health started to fail, Patty moved him to Brantford to offer care, love and support. There he became a regular at Ketchabuzz and became a valued friend and patron. Michael lived by his own simple truths:

“Look like you’re homeless—no one will bother you.

Don’t tell another person’s story—it’s not yours to tell.

Collect something—my favorite is coins—.”

He found joy in pool, poker, cheering for the Canadiens and Blue Jays, and sharing laughs and cold beers with friends. He is survived by his son, Paul Sherry (Jessica) of Hamilton, Patty Sherry, of Brantford, Paul’s mother and Michael’s “partner-in-crime” during his early years, and again in his final years, his sister LaDonna, brothers Wade, Kevin (Peggy), Stephen (Linda) and his “brother-in-spirit”, Philip Broome, all of Port Mouton, Nova Scotia, sisters-in-law Elaine and Marlene and numerous nieces and nephews, who fondly referred to him as “The Legend”. He was predeceased by his sister Daisy, brothers John Jr., Dave (Peggy), Larry and sister-in-law Marjorie. The family extends deep appreciation to the healthcare and home‑care teams who supported Michael. A special thanks goes to the Ketchabuzz family, whose comfort and unwavering support became a true source of community and kindness during this time, not only to Michael, but to Patty and LaDonna.

In Lieu of Flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/