An event 82 years in the making happened at the Gates of Heaven on August 4, 2026. The arrival of Joseph Michael Williams will be marked as an event that had better have St. Peter and all the angels ready for it!

Front and center at all of this will be his wife, Carmel (Ferguson), with his parents, Elmer and Anne (Donovan), holding hands with his sister, Beverley (Moats), as the next ones in the line of angels that have gone there before him. The party up there can now get started!

Lovingly remembering his life are his brother, Ron (Jeannette), and the 3 accomplishments that he was so proud of, Michelle, Ron (Laura) and Gerald. They all raised his most cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Elijah, Lena, Brandon, Samantha, Cole, and Rory.

As a man that was hard working his entire life, Joe has finally earned some peace. Working at the ticket office and yard for CN was where his story took off. While working there, he met Carmel, who then made it a habit of stealing his cherished 67 Mustang to tear up Truro at Teachers College, while stealing his heart in the process. In 1974, he found his true calling as a firefighter with the Sydney Fire Department, and subsequently the Cape Breton Regional Fire Services. There, he had a respected and dedicated career, becoming a Captain, helping and protecting those in need. This was not where his journey of helping those in need ended. He spent the past 30 years dedicated to living a life of purpose, clarity and daily reflection by being a dedicated mentor and guide to countless individuals in his community who attempted to battle to better themselves.

Dad will be one of the biggest Montreal Canadiens fans to pass through the pearly gates and will be wearing his #4 Jean Beliveau jersey with pride.

He will be loved and missed by those whose lives he touched. Save some dances with mom for us down here Dad. I hope Heaven has a sweet tooth for the “Candy Man” and all the candies he will have in his pocket to share with all.

At Joe’s request, cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Dr., Sydney, 902-539-7175. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 6, from 6-8. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 7, 11 am at St. Theresa’s Church, Fr. Evo Dipierro officiating, with a reception to follow in the funeral home. Interment in Saint Alphonsus Cemetery, Victoria Mines.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Palliative Care ward An Cala at the CBRH.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com