Gary Williams
I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus, Luther College, class of 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Following a very short stint in Edmonton, working for the Citadel Theatre, I returned to Regina and began a thirty-four-year work experience with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), six years in the Claims Division, and twenty-eight years in the Systems Division. I retired on 31 January 2009.
While working for SGI, I assisted with the coordination and organization of the Corporation's participation in the 1990 through 1998 Moose Jaw Air Shows.
I became involved with the CAHS back in the 1990's, joining the Roland Groome (Regina) Chapter and attending the Thursday evening presentations. Over time, I joined the Chapter executive and held positions of Member-at-Large, Membership-Secretary, Windsock Editor, and now the Chapter President.
My first National Convention was in Calgary where I was so impressed with the knowledge and dedication these people had for history of aviation and the passion for Canadian aviation history. As a National member, I tried to attend every National Convention that I could, and in 2010, I accepted the appointment to the National Executive as the National Vice-President. Elected to that position at the Edmonton Convention in 2011, I carried on in this role until the current President, Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, and I switched duties on 1 January 2012 as she worked on increasing our membership by having a baby boy. I was elected to the position of President at our 2012 Convention in Saint John, New Brunswick.
I have been a member of the Royal Canadian Airforce Association and 600 Wing Regina for nearly 20 years. I also hold memberships with the Canadian Warplane Heritage, Lancaster Support & Spitfire Support groups in Hamilton, Ontario. I joined Vintage Wings of Canada in 2011 when I organized their Regina weekend event for their Yellow Wings cross Canada Tour.
My other interests and activities include:
➢ acted as a technical advisor for Luther High School's musicals from 1991 through to 2000 and 2009;
➢ working for the Regina United Way;
➢ executive member of the SGI 25-35 Year Club, two years as a Director and four years as the President;
➢ an active donor in the platelet program for Canadian Blood Services;
➢ member of my church council from 1989 to 1993 and 2010 to present, and Treasurer on Church Council, 1991 through 1993.