The Honourable Castor Williams, a retired Judge of the Provincial Court and the second person of African ancestry to be appointed to the Nova Scotia Judiciary, passed away on Wednesday evening. He was 81.

The Honourable Corrine Sparks, the first African Canadian judge in this province and the country, was appointed to the Family Court of Nova Scotia on March 20, 1987. Judge Williams’ appointment came almost a decade later, on Feb. 20, 1996. He was the first black judge appointed to the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia.

“Judge Castor Williams was a giant, both literally and figuratively,” said The Honourable Pamela Williams, Chief Judge of the Provincial and Family Courts. “With his booming voice and commanding presence, he demanded respect in the courtroom. But in turn, he was always professional, courteous and respectful to others, and his laugh could make anyone smile.

“I’ve spoken with many on the Bench who considered him not just a colleague, but a dear friend. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

Born in Antigua, Judge Williams worked with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda Civil Service and served as a non-commissioned officer in the West India Regiment. Later, he worked with the Bank of Scotland and served as manager with the Seaview Credit Union, where he was involved in community development in the metro area.

Upon coming to Canada, Judge Williams received his B.A. in Political Science and Economics, and in 1976 he graduated with a law degree from Dalhousie University. He practiced law independently until 1992, when he was appointed a Crown attorney in Dartmouth.

Judge Williams spent his entire judicial career as a Provincial Court judge in Halifax, including several years presiding over the Long Trial Court at the courthouse on Spring Garden Road. He sat as a full-time judge until his mandatory retirement at age 70 and continued for another five years after that as a per diem, or part-time judge.

Prior to his appointment, Judge Williams was active in his community. He was a founding member of the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), which brings together major organizations with a view to community economic development. He was also the chairperson of the Black Learners Advisory Committee (BLAC Report) and a past president of the Black Lawyers Association of Nova Scotia.