Ray Gillis Williston

Who is Ray Gillis Williston?

Ray Gillis Williston was an educator and political figure in British Columbia. He represented Fort George in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 1953 to 1972 as a Social Credit member.

He was born in Victoria, British Columbia, the son of Herbert Haines Williston and Islay McCalman, and was educated at the University of British Columbia and the provincial normal school in Victoria. In 1939, Williston married Gladys Edna McInnes. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. Willison was a school principal and was the school inspector for the Prince George/Peace River area from 1945 to 1953.

He served in the provincial cabinet as Minister of Education from 1954 to 1956 and as Minister of Lands, Forests and Water Resources from 1956 to 1972. Willison was defeated when he ran for reelection in 1972. He represented the province in the negotiation of the Columbia River Treaty with the United States in 1961. After leaving politics, he was general manager of the New Brunswick Forest Authority and then president of British Columbia Cellulose Company.