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L.D. Don Williams
12/21/1936 — 11/01/2024
From Richland, WA | Born in Forester, AR
Celebration of Life
1124 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA 99352
Reception
L.D. Don Williams
Louis Donald Williams, affectionately known as Don or LD, was born December 21, 1936, in the small mill town of Forester, Arkansas. He was welcomed by his parents, Vernon and Louise Mays Williams, and his older sister Patsy. The family moved to Springfield, Oregon in 1939, when Vernon helped start Rosboro Lumber Company. Don attended Springfield High School, where he was Student Body Treasurer and played basketball and tennis. He attended Willamette University, where he played freshman basketball, held a double major in Math and Physics, and was Senior Scholar for the Physics Department. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and the friendships made there remained throughout his life. He met Carolyn Miller, his wife of 63 years, at a sock hop during Freshman Orientation. Following graduation, Don received an AEC fellowship in Radiological Physics, followed by a summer internship with General Electric at Hanford. He started his career with GE, later transferring to Battelle Memorial Institute. He performed research in a variety of areas, including experimental nuclear reactor fuel studies for commercial reactors. He moved into management in the 70’s, including general manager of Energy Systems, and later held various director level jobs, retiring in 1995 as Director of Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property. Don was an avid fly fisherman, fly tier, and white-water rafter. He loved duck and upland game bird hunting, especially with the help of his Brittany Spaniels. He was president of Columbia Little League and coached Michael’s team. His other interests include golf (he was a charter member of Meadow Springs) and tennis at the Columbia Basin Racquet Club, bowling, pool, and he loved poker and duplicate bridge. In the early 70s the family began fishing trips to a variety of places: Cultus Lake near Bend, Dillon, Montana, Island Park, Idaho and finally ending up in Ennis, Montana where the Williams and family travelling companions (college friends) the Everts eventually bought property and built a log house which became a favorite retreat for family and friends for the next 20 years or so.
Don was pre-deceased by his parents, and his sister, Patsy Williams Moore. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, his daughter Diana, his son Michael (Ourania Zimpopoulou), six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He was lovingly known by his friends and family as the Battelle Peacock and the Mayor of Meadow Springs. Few things gave him greater pleasure than working a room.
A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 on Friday, November 22, at Central United Protestant Church, with a reception following at Meadow Springs Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Class of 1959 Distinguished Scholar Chair, Office of Donor Relations, Willamette University, 900 State St, Salem, OR 97301 or to the Madison River Foundation, PO Box 1527, Ennis, MT 59729, www.madisonriverfoundation.org, or to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice, 1480 Fowler Street, Richland, WA 99352, https://tccbestlife.org.
Shortly after Don & Carolyn moved into Casas Sueno Don became the unofficial person in charge of 5 o’clock wine at the pool. We always knew that he was coming when he would call out granny are you there yet? I always knew that this was a term of great affection. Don we will miss you greatly. Lovingly Diane and Jerry Bastin.
Soon after Dawn moved into Casa Sueno, he became the voice of all who gathered at the pool at 5 o’clock. He lovingly called me granny and I always knew that it was a term of affection. Dawn, we will miss you and we will always think fondly of you. Diane and Jerry Bastin.
I worked for Don for many years in the Energy Dept at PNNL and have many fond memories. Don held our daughter when she was 2 days old, and he always would ask about her as she grew up. Both our kids knew him as Uncle Don, and they and we send our sincere condolences on his passing after such a long and impactful like. He will be always remembered.
Don was my second dad growing up and his smile lit up any room! He gave me my most favorite nickname “Cuppie” 😇 and taught me that the dog could be blamed for everything 😂😂 Brandi did it!! What a great man who will be missed dearly!
When I was 19, I worked in communications at Battelle. My mom held the same position and told me if I ever was asked to work for Don Williams, it was going to be a good day! She was right! I was young and lacked experienced, yet the times I worked in Don’s office, I was treated with respect and profound kindness. Don was a champion among managers. I was fortunate to see Don and his wife at the Spudnut Shop recently, and he was still wearing his genuine smile and expressing his love for life. I feel so blessed to have said hello to him one more time. Blessings to his wife and family as they navigate their world without their loving husband and father.
The “Social Season” would begin each time Don and Carolyn arrived at their home on the L & M Ranch. Often accompanied by his partner in crime–Ed Everts–Don was a wonderful storyteller, many of which were embellish with each telling. Even on the rare occasions when the fish weren’t biting, Don always seemed to have a smile on his face and laughter that was infectious.
Don, we miss you already.
From across the pond
I was very fortunate to meet him and spend some time with him in recent years. He had a great sense of humour and we discussed all sports at length.
My best wishes to all the family at this difficult time
Bruce (Alyssa’s father in law)
LD was a friend during my stay at Hanford from 1987-93. We associated with a group of friends including Kelso Gillinwater and Jim Walton. It was a lively group but LD was the always the most lively. He warmed any room he entered. Those lucky enough to know him were enhanced by the experience. RIP LD
A life well-lived, with a heart that touched many. Don’s journey was marked by a steadfast love and lifelong partnership with Carolyn, a bond that exemplified commitment and joy. His friendships spanned decades, and his career was one of dedication and distinction, shaping the lives of countless people along the way. I bet he was fun to work with and work for in the Northwest.
I always enjoyed Don’s world traveler stories, an adventurer who found joy and peace in the thrill of fly fishing across some of the most beautiful places on earth. I’m sure the fish feared the hook with his custom flys. His legacy will live on in the laughter of all of us and his grandchildren & his great-grandchildren.
A man of integrity, kindness, and boundless spirit, Mayor Don will forever inspire us to live fully, love deeply, and look to the heavens with hope.
Rest in peace, Mayor Don. We look up to you now, as we always have.
Don was a terrific Man, Caroline – I always enjoyed seeing him at Palm Royale CC each winter 😘! You both were always great to be & golf with !! Warm regards, to You & Your Family !!
I never met Mr. LD but his beautiful legacy lives on in Alyssa (granddaughter) and now Cooper ( great grandson). My deepest sympathies to the entire family.
My deepest sympathies for Don’s family. We were friends in high school and belonged to the same Boy Scout troop.
Mr. Williams, Dad Williams will always be remembered by his kind heart, his charm and his love for his family. I remember him from PNNL when I would visit his office he always invited me in while he shared pictures and stories about his lovely Diana. I loved seeing him at Meadow as I could always count on a warm greeting. He was a good one. God bless the memories and the Williams family.
My most sincere condolences to the whole family. A wonderful man that lived a wonderful live.
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Good memories from Palm Royale. Blessings to you and your family.
Our best to you Carolyn and family as you navigate life without Don. May God bring you His Peace as you grieve.
Much love
My condolences to you all. I’m glad I was able to have met Don many years ago. Rest in peace.
You were a great friend and neighbor LD. See you on the other side Many hugs to your family members. They are the best
What a wonderful legacy your father has left. He will forever live in your heart Diana. With all my heartfelt sympathy.
They certainly broke the mold when Don was born- what a genuine, smart, funny, kind man. He will be missed by everyone who knew him – but oh what a great life he has had!! My thoughts are with Carolyn, Diana, and Mike- and all his family. What a glorious gift he was in my life- and I treasure the times spent with him and Carolyn – golfing, traveling, cooking AND eating! What joy to have known such a man- a hero and best friend for sure to so many!
Don Williams was a Wonderful Man and a great Manager for PNNL Intellectual Propery Departments. Always classy, always a Gentleman, he represented PNNL extremely well!!
It was a pleasure to contribute to PNNL’s INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY( IP) and I will always treasure my interactions with Don and his wonderful Organization!
Steve Miller
Staff Scientist (retired)
Now a Science Teacher at SUNNYSIDE CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
We are so sorry for your loss Diana. We are praying peace and comfort for you and your family 🙏❤️
Guestbook for
L.D. Don Williams