FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
David Erwin Williams
03/02/1922 — 12/24/2004
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Walla Walla, Washington
David Erwin Williams
In Memory Of
DAVID E. WILLIAMS 82, of Richland died December 24, 2004 at Kadlec Medical Center, Richland, WA Born March 2, 1922 in Walla Walla, WA BA, Whitman College, 1947. Sigma Chi Fraternity. JD, University of Montana, 1949. LLM in Labor Law, New York University, 1950. Montana and Washington State Bar Associations. Admitted to various courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States.
Enlisted Man, U.S. Army, World War II. Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star. 45th Infantry Division Association, Anzio Beachhead
Veterans' Association. .
Counsel/Consultant for Hanford Atomic Metal Trades Council, AFL-CIO, 1950-2004. Founding Partner/Consultant, Critchlow, Williams and Schuster, 1953-2004. Founding member, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association. Distinguished 54 year legal career as zealous champion of the ''little guy.'' Formidable trial lawyer.
Former member of numerous boards and commissions, including U.S. Civil Rights Commission; Executive Board, Washington State Federation of Labor; Executive Board, Washington State Labor Council; Chairman of Franklin and Benton County Democrats; State Democratic Committee; Marine Employees Commission, State of Washington and Fellow Emeritus, College of Labor and Employment Law Lawyers.
David valued family above all else. He is survived by Kay, his wife of 57 years, and their three children, Mardi, Kim Rob Williamson and David Nancie Boccio Williams, and five grandchildren, AJ. and Ann Giesa, Jessica and Vanessa Williams-Hall and Cat Williams.
David was guided by strong moral principles, had a sharp wit, was an avid reader of historical non-fiction, valued education and hard work, loved children, and was a sports enthusiast, especially enjoying Huskie football games and his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. He was an extraordinary man who helped to make the world a better place, and he will be sorely missed.
Viewing will be on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 from 6-8 pm at Einans Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on, Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 1:00 pm at Einans Funeral Home, 915 By-Pass Highway, Richland. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the Williams family, especially Kay. Dave’s dedication and relentless efforts have provided a solid foundation for all organized labor and working families. Thank you Kay for giving Dave to us. He will be missed.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the Williams family, especially Kay. Dave’s dedication and relentless efforts have provided a solid foundation for all organized labor and working families. Thank you Kay for giving Dave to us. He will be missed.
One of the few strong, wise,very good men I have known.
Mr. Williams, prominent Attorney, who was highly respected by all who knew him and up to his illness he was active in the affairs of his community and his profession. I’m honored to have known him and I will miss him profoundly. My deepest sympathies to his family. God bless you all.
I was privileged to have Dave as a colleague for 30 years or more. He was a truly outstanding lawyer and a very fine person. I was privileged to have him move for my admission to practice in the United States Supreme Court. We are sorry that illness prevented our attendance at the services, but our thoughts are with all of you.
–Daryl and Pat Jonson
A great lawyer and a grand gentleman. He regaled many of us with his stories in the halls of the various Courthouses. He exemplified advocacy especially in representing underdogs. He was a good man!!
I began my working life at Critchlow, Williams & Schuster in July, 1975 at age 17. I had the privilege of working with Mr. Williams for 21 years. The knowledge I gained during those years is immeasurable due in most part to working with a truly brilliant, honorable, caring and compassionate boss. He always looked out for me and stood up for me. His work ethic and dedication to his clients were beyond reproach. He always fought the good fight and never ever gave up. He was a champion of the labor community and could truly relate to and cared deeply about the average working man and woman. The lives of the many clients, co-workers and friends he touched have been enriched forever for having known him. He embodied all that is good and honorable about the legal profession. He was the very definition of an advocate. I will never forget him and will always treasure the many good years we spent together.
Along with others, I was very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. It was a pleasure to have worked with him for nearly 20 years. I learned a lot from that experience. We have lost a special guy.
Bill Shaffer
Guestbook for
David Erwin Williams