by Lisa Wadley on 2013-06-19
It is often said that anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.
We have lost both a great father and a very special dad. Randy Williams lost his battle with cancer on May 29, 2013.
Randy will be remembered as an amazing father to Bonnie and Eva and a wonderful, loving husband to Lori. Randy was everything to his family, friends, and his community. If you needed help with anything, from yard work to moving boxes, Randy was there to lend a hand. He was an active participant in the Friends of Library in Grand Terrace, as well as a member of the Grand Terrace Players. That is how I met them, and became a part of this loving family.
I lost my job a few years ago and joined the Grand Terrace Players to get involved in the community. I met Lori, who invited me to be a part of the group. The first time I met Randy he gave me a great big hug and said, “Welcome.” He always had a hug when you needed it and as time passed the Williams family became my “family”—Lori is my “adopted” mom and Randy my “adopted” dad. I called Randy “Dad,” and he told me that if he had another daughter he wanted her to be like me.
He always encouraged me to be who I am, believed in me, and loved me like the father—the dad—I never had. Randy didn’t hesitate to help me, or anyone, anytime.
Randy was an animal lover who rescued and fostered his share of loveable critters, and never hesitated to move or even to help bury a beloved pet. After our house fire he (and Lori and the girls) were right there to help with everything from clothes, blankets and pillows, even acting as the furry foster parents to our kitten while our house was being repaired. There was nothing that Randy would not volunteer to help or do for his family, neighbors, friends, or the City of Grand Terrace.
I am big sister to two wonderful girls, Bonnie and Eva, who lost a great father, a dad who encouraged both his daughters to be silly, courageous, to follow their dreams, but most of all, to live life to the fullest.
He was my friend, my movie buddy, but most of all, for too short of a time, he was my dad of choice.
He will be missed by his wonderful wife Lori, his beautiful daughters, Bonnie and Eva, and by his adopted daughter, who is blessed to have known him.
Rest in peace my friend.
P.S.: I will keep my promise with all my heart to watch over your girls.