WILLIAMS, Richard L. (Dick)

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Richard L Williams March 15, 1938 - February 21, 2014 Richard L. Williams, better known as Dick Williams, went home to be with his Lord on February 21, 2014. He was 75 years old. Born in Boonville, New York on March 15, 1938, Dick was the son of Lyman Perry Williams and Ruth Kelley Williams. He leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years, Genie Shook Williams, his loving daughter Wendy Williams Bontempo, her husband, Anthony Charles Bontempo of Glenwood Springs, CO, and his brother, Stephen Cole Williams of Tucson. His parents preceded him in death. Dick and Genie made their homes in New Hampshire, Colorado and Arizona. They moved to Saddlebrooke (Tucson) 5 years ago, leaving the snow for the warm desert sun; the skiing that they loved for the beautiful desert hikes and sunsets. Dick loved the outdoors from a very early age. He camped, canoed, skied, and spent time in nature whenever he could. He was active in scouting, achieving the level of Eagle Scout. He served in the military as a 2nd Lieutenant training with the Army Rangers. He was an avid skier, hiker, and water skier and enjoyed scuba diving and sailing; most of all, he and Genie enjoyed just being together and spending time with their daughter Wendy. After graduating from St. Lawrence University in Northern New York State with a Business degree, he went to work for the Travelers Insurance Co. For a period of time he went back to his hometown to manage the Snow Ridge Ski Area, which his parents had founded with Lawton and Emily Williams. His love of skiing brought him to his career in the ski area insurance business, forming a company with his first partner, Rufus Barringer. Their business grew and was eventually bought by larger and larger companies. He remained an executive in the Ski Area Risk Management program throughout his career. He was still doing some consulting for the parent company, Wells Fargo, at the time of his death. Dick and Genie loved to travel, loved the ocean, especially the island of Kauai; Lumahai beach held a special place in his heart. After retirement, Dick was able to do the volunteer work that he so loved. He was a Hospice and hospital volunteer in Grand Junction, CO and on moving to Tucson, he once again volunteered for Hospice at Casa de La Luz. He was passionate about helping those who were on their final journey and the staff that provided the care. He found a wonderful ministry in Casa and felt they were the ultimate in caring, compassionate, and superior care. Angels do walk among us. Dick was active in the Community Church of Saddlebrooke, serving the needs of the congregation. He served on the Mission Committee and Co-Chaired the Usher/Greeter committee with his wife. Dick became a devoted member of a small men’s bible study called Men’s Empowerment. He considered the men in the group to be his brother’s in Christ. Dick was compassionate, kind, loving, generous, ever ready to lend a hand or offer a kind word when he saw the need, he had a wonderful sense of humor and always tried to see the best in each situation. As a husband and father, he was a treasure beyond words; the best! He loved life, especially being out in nature and he went home to his Lord doing something he loved, hiking his favorite trail in Catalina State Park. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held on Sunday, March 2nd at 2:00pm at Vistoso Memorial Chapel, Oro Valley, AZ. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to: Casa de la Luz Foundation casafoundation.org Tucson, AZ Gospel Rescue Mission 312 W 28th Street Tucson, AZ (520) 740-1501 The Tri-Community Food Bank P.O. Box 38 Mammoth, AZ 85618 (520) 487-2010