Jeffrey Donald Williams

June 06, 1969 - April 12, 2010

In Loving Memory

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart... I’ll always be with you.”
-- A. A. Milne

Jeff was born on June 6, 1969 to Gwen and Dan Williams and was raised in Walnut Creek, California. When Jeff was a child he loved Star Wars, super heroes and any noble cause that included epic fight scenes of good versus evil.

In high school he was taken under the wing of his science teacher Bob Campbell and joined him and the school hiking group on many backpacking trips starting a love of the wilderness that stayed with Jeff throughout his life. Through these hiking expeditions Jeff learned perseverance, motivation, and became aware of his own personal strength, a strength that he would call on much later to help with his epic battles with cancer.

In addition to the outdoors, Jeff loved sports. In junior college, he played on a co-ed softball team with Jennifer Swisher and they quickly became friends. One day at Jennifer’s house, Jeff saw a picture of Vanessa Ray who had been Jennifer’s best friend since kindergarten and he saw something so special in that picture that he asked Jennifer to introduce them. Even though Jennifer swore they didn’t have anything in common she introduced them the day after Vanessa’s 24th birthday on November 21, 1992 and they were married June 22, 1996.

On a trip to Washington, they fell in love with the greenery and beauty of the state and moved here in the summer of 1999. Many happy memories were made camping and traveling on trips throughout the US and Europe.

Both Jeff and Vanessa always loved animals and in 2001 they adopted their beloved Lasso Apso Coco. Jeff and Vanessa’s happiest moment was the birth of their daughter Madeline Josephine who made their family complete.

Jeff was knowledgeable in just about every subject, especially Harry Potter, all things Disney, sports, and Star Wars. He always loved a good costume and never missed a chance to dress up on Halloween and other holidays.

He had such a love of sweets and chocolates and maybe that helped him have such a sweet outlook on life, even when faced with life’s problems.

In Jeff’s battle with cancer he proved to be more heroic than his childhood heroes, charming every doctor and nurse who came in contact with him. His positive attitude will never be forgotten. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him, but especially by his loving wife, sweet daughter and devoted dog.

Funeral Information

Please join us in celebrating Jeff’s life on Saturday May 8, 2010 at 10am at St. Albert Church, Berkeley, followed by a gathering at The Claremont Hotel at 12pm. Flowers in Jeff's honor may be sent to St. Albert Church.

Donations Information

Donations may be made to Madeline Williams' Chase account Use the PayPal link below, go to “Send Money” and enter [email protected] as the email address to send to.

Donations may also be made to the ALS Association, in memory of Barbara J Wicks, for John Wicks volunteer and friend who gave so much of his time helping Jeff and Vanessa.

Donations Links:

ALS Association

Directions

Service:  Saint Albert Church

Gathering and Other:  The Claremont

Light a Special Candle

View Memorial and Sign Guestbook

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