BILL WILLIAMS

How do you summarize such a robust life?  Bill was an extraordinary son, brother, husband, father, uncle, godfather, grandfather ('Bumpa'), in-law, partner, mentor, friend and hero.

 

Born in Eveleth, MN, to Mae and Ernie, Bill had a delightful childhood. Bill was a proud Iron Ranger. What may be surprising to many is that Bill was painfully shy during high school. He became "Man of the House" at the young age of eighteen when Ernie suddenly passed away. He responded to the loss by becoming the man he knew his father would want him to be, and he vowed to always take care of his mother and younger brother, Rob. Bill pursued education in engineering to find a stable career that could support his family. This engineering work led him to move to the Twin Cities to work for Honeywell, completing materials testing for NASA and the Apollo Project. Until retirement, he continued to work as an engineer and engineering manager in semiconductor testing. (Buckbee-Mears, MCT, Tescom, Teradyne). Bill was incredibly proud to watch Rob as he grew in his professional and personal life, especially as Rob became a father to Shawn, Jennie & Kevin. Rob and Bill remained close throughout their lives. 

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One of Bill's greatest joys was being a father. He regularly expressed to Mikki and Heather—his “girls”— how grateful he was to Barb that they were able to start a family together. Many loving years were spent enjoying time boating, swimming, waterskiing, playing tennis, and laughing in the idyllic community of Oak Shore Park in White Bear Lake, MN. 

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Bill’s support of his daughters was unmatched, and he was their biggest champion and cheerleader. He taught them to fearlessly pursue their dreams. He encouraged their interests without fail, instructed them to always stand up for what they believe in, and to value and respect all people—lessons he learned early on from his mother. He was so happy when they both found incredible life partners (Sonny/Heather and Alan/Mikki) and enjoyed his time with them as well.

 

​Bill loved the outdoors. He started hunting with his father as a young boy and, throughout his life, he considered hunting an opportunity to spend precious time with his father, even long after Ernie's passing. Decades later, with his dear, deer hunting brotherhood—The Buzzard Creek Hunting Club—Bill continued to share his stories, insights and wisdom gleaned from his father. The Club includes relatives and friends, all of whom were considered family.

 

Bill also loved animals. He enjoyed generations of black labs, a few cats, some hamsters and a horse for the girls; he befriended woodland creatures and eventually even became a foster parent to rescue dogs. He adored and indulged his 'grand-doggers' as well. He spent many enjoyable evenings with his fosters, looking out at Birch Lake at the cabin, enjoying the peace, quiet and beauty.   

 

Bill expanded his family when he and Judy blended their two families. Bill was especially touched by a gifted group portrait of their five kids: Mikki, Randy, Dana, Heather & Carrie. Bill and Judy traveled to many places, went golfing and enjoyed time at the lake with one another and with friends in Babbitt, MN. Together, Bill and Judy lovingly watched their children create their own families and had the beautiful experience of becoming grandparents to Maelea, Makaio, Aili, Hailey & Josh. 

 

Bill shared a deep bond with his grandchildren, whose character and accomplishments brought him immense pride. He supported them unconditionally and attended as many shows, concerts, performances, parties and events as he could. They appreciated his quick wit, sense of humor and playful nature. They were captivated by his many stories, and appreciate his interest in their stories as well. 

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Bill's last chapter included much love and many adventures with Roxie. Whether traveling, camping, hiking or watching their favorite movies together, they had fun. They embraced and mutually supported each other’s children and grandchildren. Roxie’s gentle strength, kindness, and caregiving during his last bout with cancer fueled his courage to fight on. And, even as his illness progressed, Roxie ensured that Bill continued to focus on the positive. Bill's heroic efforts to spend more time with his family never ceased.

 

Bill loved to laugh and have fun. In his final days, even after being admitted into the ICU, he was still making jokes and was so proud that he was "still makin' 'em laugh." He emphasized that there was always more fun to be had. Many have experienced Bill’s fun spirit and enjoyment of music and dancing. One of his favorite songs was "Walking on Sunshine." Any time he heard that song, nobody could stop him from dancing. His joy and energy were contagious. Some of Mikki and Heather’s greatest memories include dancing with their dad--even though it sometimes felt like an extreme sport. On Sunday, February 14th, Mikki and Heather managed to have one last dance party with their first and forever Valentine before they had to say good-bye.  

After sharing his love and being surrounded by love for his entire life, Bill's daughters were with him when he took his last breath, showering him with immeasurable love and tremendous gratitude. He loved deeply and was deeply loved. We all can take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, happily walking on sunshine.