In Memory

Dennis Williams - Class Of 1972

 

From:  Barry Colman
   


Dennis Williams (West High Class of 1972) passed August 9, 2010, at the age of 56. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 1, 1954.

By Dennis' Friend Barry Colman (class of 1972 West High)

Dennis Williams (class of 1972 West High) (1954-2010) lived life large. He laughed hard. He cooked big. He got the most out of life. And, as his friend, you got to drink it in with him. He told vivid stories of his adventures: When he told you about seeing Steely Dan at the Gorge, you heard the band, pushed past the crowd with him and got out the old CD. When he talked about his new boat, you sailed along with him, and somehow wanted a boat of your own. As he described his latest new-old pickup truck with the throwback 8-track tape player, you rode on the seat next to him and started looking for an old pickup to buy. His love for life, his optimism, his fun, were infectious. But that’s not what started our life-long friendship in high school and for almost 40 years. Dennis was always real. He had an intellectual curiosity about life. I was able to discuss important things with him and be myself. And he was always fun to be around. Dennis also loved to work. In high school his dad let him set brick for a fireplace on a house re-model. The next day Dennis told me he had gone to the job-site in the middle of the night and got much of the work done. It blew my mind. He taught me how to tune up, do a valve job, and install a clutch in my VW bug. In fact, his parent’s garage became the go-to auto shop for all his cash-poor friends, with Dennis as chief mechanic. We had adventures together: we “borrowed” a friend’s VW bus in the middle of the night, while the friend slept, and parked and watched Jerry West hobnob at LAX at 2 in the morning. We drank beer on the Kern River sand and lived on baked beans. We analyzed the latest David Bowie and Jethro Tull concerts. We sailed on Lake Washington. I never physically traveled with Dennis on his Frito Lay route but I rode along through his stories. I could see the store clerks light up with smiles as he made his deliveries, store to store, from his step-van. He could turn even a day at work into an adventure.

Dennis was out-spokenly proud of his precious Martin. And I watched Martin grow up to be the man he is through Dennis’ stories over a long-distance phone line. And God blessed him with a perfect compliment in Joan. I watched them over the years, from their first days together, truly become what every married couple dreams of being - a pair of one. Dennis will be missed but always remembered. He was one-of-a-kind. And I’m blessed to say, he was and, will always be, my dear friend. Dennis Williams Memorial Obit http://bartonfuneral.com/2010/08/16/williams/ 

Dennis Williams passed away in his home on August 9, 2010, at the age of 56.

He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 1, 1954, the fourth of five children to Clarence and Evelyn Williams. The family moved to Gardena, California when Dennis was a four years old.

Dennis graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 1978 with a degree in medical microbiology and a minor in mathematics. He put himself through college by working as a night manager at an Alpha Beta grocery store.

In 1976 while in school, Dennis met the love of his life Joan Motherwell, when they were placed in the same study group in their zoology class. Their first date was when the study group went to celebrate passing the class, but only the two of them showed up for the dinner. Dennis and Joan were married on July 15, 1978 in Redondo Beach, CA.

They decided to move to Seattle, WA to be closer to their parents in 1980. Dennis worked for Frito Lay for 26 years developing sales routes. Working for Frito Lay, he got to know all of the streets and sights around the Seattle area. Dennis enjoyed being the tour guide and going along with others to show them the delights of the great Northwest that he came to love.

Martin Thomas Williams, the joy of Dennis’ life entered the world on March 11, 1982. He loved teaching his son about cooking, sailing, gardening, music, and mechanics, and he worked tirelessly in order to send Martin to Western Washington University, where he graduated with a degree in computer science in 2005.

As a family they explored the Seattle area with day trips to secluded beaches and coves. Dennis loved to play softball, tennis and basketball. He loved to go camping, canoeing, fishing and sailing and enjoyed taking family and friends on his sailboat out on Lake Washington. He loved to cook and barbecue, while experimenting with new herbs, spices and recipes.

Going to rock concerts was a favorite activity, James Taylor and Steely Dan were among his favorites.Dennis loved his dogs. He always had a story about D.J., Griz, Simon, Carney or Tucker, and he lit up whenever he talked about them. Dennis worked hard, but found time to play hard too. He made those around him laugh and shared his passion and curiosity for life with the people he loved.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 32 years, Joan, his son Martin and partner Libby, his brothers John and Jim, his sisters Jeanne and Nancy, his mother Evelyn and his mother-in-law Gwendolyn Motherwell. He is preceded in death by his father Clarence and his father-in-law Robert B. Motherwell. He will be missed by family and friends. 



 
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07/18/12 11:45 AM #1    

Cheryl Neal (Edmunds) (1972)

I didn't know Dennis, but I have to comment on how beautiful a memorial this is to a true friend. Remarkable and very touching, I love how this is writtten, straight from the heart. I'm sure Dennis is smiling over the kind words from his dear friend. Hope his family is doing well and have fond memories captured in their own hearts!


08/27/12 04:19 PM #2    

Greg Wilson (1972)

This was extremely well written  , I was  fortunate to have  enjoyed many of those good times with Dennis, Joan , and and his closest family and friends .

Gone ,but not forgotten.

 

Your friends,

Greg  and Carolyn Wilson


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