Jon and I, have so many wonderful memories with Mike, Laurel and their children. It has taken us awhile to figure out which one to share, since each of them reminds us of our sweet times together. One that came to both of us at the same time, was the many Friday/Saturday nights that we would get together at one of our homes. We would eat dinner, our children would play together and then fall asleep on the living room floor, while the four us would play games well into the night. Usually past midnight and we at least consumed two pots of dark black coffee. There was always so much laughter!!

Jon & Rose Wilson-family friends

We will long remember Mike!! He was such a nice guy!! We are sorry he had to find work away from home so long!! We were glad to get to see him at Vivian’s Memorial in Portland. He provided a strong shoulder to lean upon!! It is so wonderful to read all about him from his friends. We are sorry that he is gone but not sorry that He Is With the Lord!!

Laurel’s aunt – Shirley Edwards Peterson

The fondest memories I have of Mike are from when he and Laurel were my youth group leaders at Deer Valley Church. One time in particular we were going camping in the middle of nowhere! It was so far out that Mike had to take us by groups of 4 or 5 in his jeep to the campsite. He was so much fun to be around and always kept us laughing. He inspired me to be a better Christian. I appreciated he and Laurel and their ministry to my youth group. He will be missed.

Susan Austin

I often think of something Mike said about faith that amazed and inspired me, especially because he was so young and probably a newlywed. It must have been sometime before June, 1987, because that’s when we moved away from Phoenix and Deer Valley Free Methodist Church, which still met at 4026 W. Acoma Drive, where we and his whole family attended church. Mike and his wife, Lauren, taught our little daughter Angie in Sunday School. We were privileged to attend Mike and Lauren’s wedding on one of the hottest June days I’d witnessed. It was held in a church family’s backyard, where the vinyl LP they used to play wedding music from the patio warped right there in the intense desert heat. It must have been sometime after that that Mike said he was confident to become a parent because he was sure that God would help him raise any children for the Lord and surely would save them. I wish I could remember his exact words, but I always felt this was a real tribute to our Lord, to the work He had done in Mike, and to Mike’s parents, Murray and Betty Williams, who were pillars of our church and to whom I really looked up.

Mike Williams and Fletcher Petrie had to send me this picture. I was in Green Bay working and they had to let me know what I was missing out on. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. I met Mike in 1997 when I first went to work for Union Resources in Tennessee. I worked for Mike for 4 years at Millstone and we have stayed in touch all this time. I could count on Mike to call me at least once a month to see where I was out.

Michael Bailey

To the family of Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Mike at Millstone Nuclear Power Plant a few years back and quickly found him to be a sincere caring person. I enjoyed being on his team and I am grateful to have known him.

Cherish the fond memories of our loved ones for life is so short and precious.
God bless,
JT

Scaffold Coordinator etc… with D&Z and WPS

I have known Mike Williams since around 1990 when he began doing electrical repair work for me. He helped me numerous times over the following years. I always looked forward to those jobs with Mike because his company was as pleasurable as was his excellent work. He never charged enough, and his favorite expression when correcting someone else’s shoddy workmanship was, “that looks like a rooster with socks.”

Because the nature of his work in recent years kept him away from home, I regret that I was not able to see him as often as I would have liked, but he did call me occasionally when he came to town and we had some nice visits over breakfast or lunch when time permitted. But I realize his first priority was his family.

Mike was the ultimate friend, worker, confidante and all around good and decent human being as I have ever known in my 76 years on this earth. I doubt I will ever again meet someone his equal.

I continue to ponder his untimely passing in great disbelief and tears flow as I write this message knowing that I will not see you again in this life.

I will NEVER forget you Mike.

Very Sincerely, Pat De Rosa

I remember meeting the Williams family at the Deer Valley Free Methodist Church in 1976. I immediately felt a bond with this amazing family. They also had three daughters and a son like we did.

Mike was about seventeen at the time. He always had a smile on his face and seemed to love life. About five years later, Gary and I began to lead the youth group, and about that same time Mike began to notice a cute young lady, Laurel. They came along side us and helped with the youth. The kids loved them. Gary and I were so proud of the example they set for the young people at church. Our three daughters were in the group and all the kids looked up to Mike and Laurel. And soon they took over the youth group.

We have been to weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and births with the Williams family. And the saddest of all, the loss of their beloved little, Nichole. I can now picture Mike running with Nichole chasing butterflies. What a comfort this must bring to the family, and that one day they can all be reunited for eternity.

God bless you all, love Judy Heusman.

1996 Diamondbacks

Mike Williams-Scott Duffy
Brad Duryea,Trey Rourke ,Colter Duffy,Chris Fessler,Jimbo Blaine,
Cory Thomas, josh Williams, Seth Miller,Tyler Thomas,Nick Fessler

1997 Diamondbacks

It has been a great honor and privileged to have known and worked with Mike over the last year and a half at Columbia Generating Station. In my role as the corporate manager over that site for Williams Plant Services, I communicated with Mike almost daily during the week whether I was on site or back in Atlanta. Our conversations quickly grew from that of only business to more important matters, such as our families, hobbies, projects (his pond and my basement), and our faith in Christ. Mike was a hard-working professional, respected leader, and all around GREAT guy, who will be genuinely missed as a friend and coworker. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known Mike and have him as a friend. I can assuredly say my life is richer for it and I will cherish the memory of his love for his family, friends, and his Savior.

Rusty Gasser

Murry Michael Williams is my brother the youngest of four. Mikey is what my sisters and I call him. Mikey has a great imagination and is very adventurous. When we were growing up there were not computer games, play stations and cartoons were only on Saturday morning. We read books and played. Mikey and I liked to build forts and club houses. We would take sheets and pillows and make tents. There was one afternoon when Grandma Jones was watching us because Mom was at work. Mikey had built a fort by turning his mattress on the side then covered it with sheets. We lived in a two story house and Grandma Jones never went upstairs because her legs hurt. Mikey decided since Grandma Jones didn’t go up stairs it would be a great day to build a campfire in our fort. So, we went to the kitchen and collected all the old birthday candles.Upstairs Mikey piled them all together and lit them. We turned off the lights and enjoyed our campfire until it got out of control and caught the cotton lining on the box springs on fire. I got scared first and ran to tell Grandma. She told me to wait right there by the bottom of the stairs and Grandma Jones with the ease of an Olympic Athlete charged up the stairs two at a time, went to Mikey’s bedroom opened the window and with the strength of an Iron Man threw the burning mattress out the second story window. We were very impressed but worried about how much trouble were we in. I was not too worried because, of coarse it was Mikey’s idea. Over the years Mikey has had many adventures like the time he dug a cave in the backyard then dug out tunnels so he and his friend could go through to get to each other’s yard, but that is another story. Mikey has now left us and has started on his greatest adventure of all! I will miss you Mikey and I love you very much.

Tina Williams Young

(Mikey’s youngest sister)

I didn’t get the pleasure to know Mike very well. My wife Kelsy and her family our best friends with the Williams family and that is how I got to know them. Even though they are not blood-related, I feel like the whole family is a second set of in laws. Every memory I have spent with them is a good one. I remember going to their house in the summer when I was dating my wife and playing volleyball in the backyard. We also spent several New Years’ Eve parties at their house. We would always play with this golf ball snow globe. It had a tee in the middle and you had to land the golf ball on the tee. Mike would always be watching and laughing at our failing attempts. He liked to say smart comments to us, which I always laughed at. It was good to see Mike, he was always smiling when I saw him. Even though I didn’t get to know him well, I am still inspired by his life and the man that he is. He is the kind of man that I want to be, a loving husband, father, and man of God who loves to laugh and have fun with his family. I will miss you Mike and I look forward to the day when I get to know you better in Heaven.

Bryan Beasley
(Family Friend)

As a teenager I looked up to mike as a friend and as an example of how a young man should behave. Mike was physically strong and strong in the Lord. I have great memories of lifting weights and playing football on Sunday afternoons with Mike, Laurel and the youth from Valley Free Methodist Church.

I’ll never forget the day Mike rolled up in his brand new Z28 Camaro (I think it was a 1978). It was maroon and had a real fine rumble to the engine. He drove that car with great restraint, I didn’t understand at the time how he could keep from mashing the gas pedal. He seemed to have a great sense of maturity.

Mike took me on an overnight rabbit hunting trip in the hills outside of Humboldt. We used the Willies Jeep that had belonged to his grandfather and drove many miles past the end of the road. We drove over bushes and ravines to a secluded valley where we camped under the stars. We were quickly disturbed by movement in the bushes above our heads. After several minutes of low level fear and a few shots fired from my 22, discovered it was just a mouse moving around in the bushes several inches from our heads. We had a great laugh!

I am very grateful for those years with Mike as a friend and mentor. Thanks Buddy–

Tim DeSpain

In life you rarely meet individuals that always demonstrate “First Class” behaviors. Mike did this through his love for God and his family, his integrity, honesty and loyalty. I knew Mike for more than twenty years and enjoyed our friendship, his easy smile, and calm demeanor in the face of challenges. I have many memories of Mike, but the one that I would like to share occurred when Nicole passed and the sadness felt by Mike, his family, and everyone that knew them. During one of our conversations, Mike reminded me that although he didn’t understand, he would stay faithful to the Lord and see Nicole again someday. Over the years I have been reminded of this testimony of strength and faith demonstrated by Mike during this difficult time. I am confident that today he is with Nicole and although he will be missed, he has gained eternal life. I was fortunate and blessed to have known Mike and I will always remember him as my friend.

Psalm 18:28 “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”

Gary McKinney
Friend

I haven’t known you very long Mike but came to know a strong leader, a kind hearted person, a wonderful story teller and someone who genuinely loved life. Your laugh was infectious. I loved the pond stories, the stories about Wyatt. You will be missed by all you touched. I feel blessed to have met you. Thank you God for sharing Mike with us

Linda Isenhart
Columbia Generating Station

I REMEMBER… IT WAS ALONG TIME AGO…PERHAPS 20YRS NOW.. I WAS HAULING A LOAD(CORD) OF FIRE WORK FROM WILLIAMS,AZ TO MY HOME IN PHOENIX . WHILE DRIVING PAST HUMBOLT MY WHEEL OF THE TRAILER CAME OFF…I WAS LUCKY TO MANAGE TO STOP THE TRUCK WITH-OUT SPILLING THE LOAD AND OR THE TRAILER ITSELF…THERE I WAS BROKEN DOWN ..BY MYSELF…THEN I KNEW THAT MIKE LIVED NEAR BY SO I LEFT MY TRAILER AND WAS ABLE TO FIND MIKE’S HOME …THANK GOD HE WAS AT HOME …IT WAS A SUNDAY AFTERNOON..HE CAME WITH ME TO HELP…I WAS SO RELIEVED..I HAD A SPARE TIRE FOR THE TRAILER BUT NOW TO FIND OUT THAT THE WHEEL PATTERN WAS SLIGHTY DIFFERENT…SOMEHOW MIKE WAS ABLE TO MOUNT IT “STRAIGHT” ENOUGH SO I COULD “HOBBLE” IT BACK TO HIS HOME…I LEFT THE TRAILER THERE TILL I WAS ABLE TO GET A GOOD WHEEL IN PHOENIX TO RETURN THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND…WELL ACOUPLE DAYS WENT BY AND MIKE CALLS ME …HE HAD SPOTTED MY WHEEL AND TIRE “WHEDGED” BETWEEN TWO BOLDERS OFF THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY…WHAT A EYE SIGHT TO HAVE SPOTTED IT…I RETURNED THAT WEEKEND TO REMOUNT THE WHEEL”TIGHTLY” AND TO RETURN TO PHOENIX WITH MY “CORD” OF WOOD…THANK-YOU MIKE

DAVE BURTON

Our family started at Deer Valley Church in the late 1970’s. Mike was one of the first to say hi. In the next years Judy and I became youth leaders. Mike was our teen leader and we could count on him to pray and share is faith. We also started a slow pitch soft ball team and I enjoyed Mikes winning attitude which helped all the team win or loss. We enjoyed watching Mike and Laurel’s relationship grow to engagement. They would come over to our house and talk about upcoming marriage. I was a fairly new Christian and learned a lot from Mike about faith, humility, service, helping others, and having a friendly smile. I trust Mike’s legacy will go on through his children and generations to come.

In His Service,
Gary Heusman
a great friend.

Energy Northwest is the utility that owns Columbia Generating Station, where Mike recently worked as Site Manager for Williams Plant Services. Mike was a valuable member of our team, who will be missed by all. Bob Schuetz, Plant General Manager, Columbia Generating Station.

It was not my privilege to know Mike as a grown man. Thanks to the other notes in “Memories”
we’ve learned to see him as a man. We are thankful to have been a part of his life.

We had the privilege of being his pastor during much of his growing up years. Even then he was full of fun and had a sunny disposition. He was quiet, a peace maker, a natural leader and a sincere Christian. Everybody liked him.

We’ll never forget the lovely wedding at the Fout’s in their beautiful yard. I Remember Mike’s mother when she was seated on that hot metal chair in the 110 degree Sun!

See ya Mike on the other side. Wow!

Jim & Rhoda DeSpain

It was clearly our collective honor to have walked this Earth with you, Mike. Your quick and infectious smile, disarming sense of humor, unbelievable patience and dedication to all things good and honorable will leave an imprint in our hearts and minds forever. Thank you for blessing us all, and more selfishly, for enriching my life as well!

Mark Friedmann

Laurel and I have been friends and penpals for 45+ years! When I first read of Mike he had won the heart of my dear friend. Mike was something extraordinary to her. She wrote that she would no longer be traveling with parents but staying in Arizona getting MARRIED. The wedding would take place outdoors in Phoenix in June; and would I play the piano as well as be Laurel’s maid of honor?
Well yes of course!

To beat the heat, the ceremony would start at 10:00am; if I recall correctly it was 110 degrees by 10:00am!

Playing the piano for the weddings of friends and family has made for wonderful memories. It’s as if the song chosen becomes the theme for each; I can’t think of any couple and not hear ‘Their Song’; it was Mike who requested Time in A Bottle by Jim Croce. I feel it is as much a gift to Laurel now as it was then.

Time in A Bottle

If I could save time in a bottle, The first thing that I’d like to do;
Is to save every day ’til eternity passes away, just to spend them with you.

If I could make days last forever, If words could make wishes come true;
I’d save every day like a treasure and then again, I would spend them with you.

But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them.
I’ve looked around enough to know that you’re the one I want to go through time with.

If I had a box just for wishes and dreams that had never come true;
The box would be empty except for the memory of how they were answered by you

But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them;
I’ve looked around enough to know that you’re the one I want to go through time with.

Monica Walton
Life-long friend.

I didn’t have the chance to know Mike, but I do know his daughter, Sarah, and her family. Parents’ legacies are so much defined through the lives of their children, and a strong and loving father can make such an impact. Sarah is and has always been such a joy and an encouragement as a friend. As a co-worker, she was hard working, creative, dedicated, and her work ethic was unsurpassed. Seeing her beautiful family now and her abilities as a wife and mother is such a blessing, and she and Owen bless so many people through their lives, love, and service.

Having raised such an amazing daughter and family, it is evident the kind of person that Mike was and the legacy he has left speaks volumes about the life that he lead. Praise God for the faith that he passed to his children and is bearing such good fruit.

–Shannon Layer

What a pleasure it was to have known you Mike. I always looked forward to seeing you; when you came in to fix our broken down equipment. Your stories about work and your jokes always made me laugh and lifted my spirit at the end of the day. Although I have not seen you in years; I will always remember those days. Looking forward to seeing you again in the near future.

Judy Moreland

Laurel no words can express how I feel at this time. Stay strong and God bless you and the family. We are all touched by each others life in one way or other.

In Christ Alone

I was practically born into the Williams family. Nichole and I were 11 days apart. Our families spent a lot of time together. I have too many memories to put in a paragraph. I loved Mike’s laughter, it could turn a sad mood into joy. I loved his love for his family and that he considered me and my family a part of it. The one memory that meant the absolute most to me was when he danced with me on my wedding day and told me that Nichole would be proud of me. I know he is dancing with Nichole in heaven and I look forward to seeing them again one day.
Kelsy (Goswick) Beasley
(Friends for my entire life)

One year me and Mike took our families to Greer. Mike and I were going to go try a new fishing river and get firewood. While we were fishing a huge lightning storm was off in the distance. So, we decided to fish a little longer because it was nice and sunny where we were. When the storm broke, we headed back to camp and by the time we remembered the firewood all the wood we could find was wet because the huge lightning storm was right above the camp. When we looked in the wall tent, there were our two soaked wives and seven children. We were not the two most popular guys in camp, but it all turned out good and we had a great time and a lot of laughs.
Bryon Goswick
(Mike’s buddy for 27 years)

toothless mike laurel

We have known Mike, Laurel and the kids for 27 years. There are so many cherished memories. We as families went to Greer for summer vacations many times. The rain storms, the fishing, the camp fires, the S’mores, the laughter I will never forget. (The photo at River lake was taken on one of those Greer trips.) We shared many kid’s birthday parties and New Year’s Eve parties, game nights and summer barbeques as well. I remember our son Clancy insisted on having a fishing party and of course the Williams family was the first on the invitation list. (The photo of Mike and Rachel was taken at that party.) Another fun memory was tubing in the snow up towards Big Bug Mesa one year and the fire and hot cocoa when we got wet and cold. Then there was the Easter egg hunt up Big Bug Creek. The kids hid the eggs from us adults and we never found them all. The things I remember the most about Mike were his ability to enjoy the moment and his absolute unwavering love for his family. He thoroughly enjoyed every minute with them. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh, even after he was injured from a fall off of a ladder and lost his tooth among many more injuries. He and Laurel took full advantage of his temporary look at the church Harvest party that year (see photo above). There are so many more memories we will forever have in our hearts until we get to go home to heaven and make new ones with Mike & Nichole.
Much Love,
Kelly Goswick

Mike was a great leader both compassionate and stern when needed. Always gave the right answer even if it wasn’t the one you wanted to hear. He could see the good in all, even in times of darkness. A laugh that was contagious and could change the moods of individuals. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet, and work with Mike in Washington. He forever changed my life and I am thankful for that, he will be deeply missed.

Jaron Lee

I am grateful to have known such a wonderful man. Words just cannot describe how Mike Williams supported my family and what he did for us. Mike is a great person and I will miss Mike. He was a mentor, a friend and a person who knew what my family and I were going through. Words can’t explain it, but I thank God that I got to know such a wonderful person. Joel

The Columbia Team in Washington, 2013 during a safety celebration… A great day! From the left. Mike C, Mike, Rusty G, Joel Albenze, Chris P, and Ed P.

Joel Albenze

Some say how can a friendship be developed and last a lifetime with only a 7 month acquaintance? Mike and I worked side by side in Washington state back in winter/spring of 2013. Long hours of work, and many meals provided us an opportunity to share some of our blessings in life. It was clear as I got to know Mike, he was a serious professional and very passionate about his family. He provided great insights and reinforcement about ensuring one takes every opportunity to enjoy the gifts of God….our children, and savor every single moment. I often thanked Mike for providing me “clarity” as I enjoyed another chance at an older age with a young second family. Mike loved and was proud of all his children, and I consider it an honor to have been rewarded with 7 months of his company, and will always consider our short time a friendship for a lifetime. Rest well Mike- enjoy your daughters company- and know you have had positive impacts on many lives. Jack Engleman Jr.

Someone wise once said, "You get to know a man best through his children." Sadly, I never got to know Mike, but I did know his daughter Sarah. Sarah joined me as an intern my very first year at KGCB. It was such a crazy time for me…transitioning from the military and struggling to learn my job and our family’s new life in Prescott…I didn’t know what to do with myself, let alone an intern. I can just remember how kind and gracious Sarah was amidst the chaos in those early years of the ministry. Her tender smile had a way of diffusing any situation. I also saw in her a strong, ambitious young woman who had a gentle, quiet determination to achieve all that God had for her life. On both occasions that I had to be near Mike, I witnessed where that strength and inner resolve came from. Once as he released his youngest daughter into the arms of Jesus and the other as he released his oldest into the arms of another man.

Sadly, I didn’t know Mike Williams, but thanks to Sarah, I’m so glad I did.

Thank you for making the world a better place,

Mike Medlin

I couldn’t have asked for a better brother-in-law. Thanks, Laurel, for making Mike a part of our family. Thanks, Mike, for being such a good guy.

Marlene (sister-in-law & fan)

So getting the job of your dreams is never easy, throw in the fact that its a government job that thousands of other candidates want as well and it becomes near impossible. I tried multiple years to get into public safety and was met with disappointment on more than one occasion.

On one specific occasion Mike had taken me to breakfast and listened to me pour out my frustration for the process and how I was beginning to doubt that this was the right path for me. He didnt say much while I talked but when I finally was finished he looked me dead in the eyes, with that famous Mike look, and said, "I dont doubt your ability and I dont doubt your dedication. Keep on your path and you’ll accomplish your goal." Pretty big words from the father of my wife. When I had doubts in myself he was confident in me.

Well fast forward a year or so and I got the call I had been waiting for, just like Mike had said I would. At Christmas 2014 I was privileged to tell my father-in-law he was right and thank him for his support when I needed it most. He just smiled at me and said, "I always knew you’d make it, im proud of you." I looked forward to my upcoming academy graduation and was happy to know he would be there. Well life works in strange ways and he wasnt able to make it.

His love and support was always there and he always supported his family no matter what. His confidence in me to provide for his daughter and grandkids made me feel like I could accomplish anything. I couldn’t thank him enough then but I know he knew I was grateful. I will miss you Mike, miss crow hunting in your front yard, miss the stories. Thank you for everything and I’ll take care of your daughter. I love ya

Justin
Son-in-law

On my wedding day before dad took me down the aisle he looked at me with that famous Mike smirk and said “Are you ready for this!?”. I smiled and replied ” Yes!”. He replied “Let’s do this!”

Dad was such an amazing man. He worked hard and honest his whole life. He believed in family and being there for it all. It was a honor being his daughter. I was ready on my wedding day. For this though, I’m not ready for. I will forever “Remember that you love me.”

Love your Rachel

From Julie Williams
Daughter-in-law