Robert Lynn “Willy” Williams – beloved husband, father, uncle, and friend -passed away January 9, 2022, in Southgate, Michigan, at the age of 72. He was born on May 28th, 1949, in Somers Point, New Jersey to Andrew and Katheryn (nee’ Deuman) Williams. Willy graduated in 1967 from Loretto Catholic Central High School in Sault Sainte Marie, MI and joined the United States Coast Guard. He married the love of his life, Sheila Kaye Walsh on January 22, 1972, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sault Sainte Marie, MI. Willy spent over 50 years in environmental services, that started with his service in the Coast Guard attaining the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class while serving in the Alaskan Sector as well as Sector Detroit over the next four years. In 1973, Willy co-founded Inland Waters Pollution Control (IWPC), and served as the President and Chief Executive Officer until his retirement from the company in 2008. Under his leadership the company grew to be one of the largest and most respected environmental service companies in the Midwest. An accomplished and dedicated leader, Willy was a pioneer of industrial cleaning and environmental service providers for so long it is difficult to adequately quantify or qualify the impact that he had on the industry and its people. However, it is easy to find one of legions of former IWPC coworkers, customers, contractors, and even competitors that will proudly tell you that he or she knew Willy. Willy was a long-time member and past president of the Huron Township Rotary where Willy's generosity and good humor were legendary. Many people know of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle raffle that the club ran for many years, but most do not know that Willy donated the first motorcycle to launch the fundraiser. Working at Applefest always brought out the best in Willy's ability to entertain and entertain he did! Willy was also heavily involved in the Windsor-Detroit Tugboat Race for many years. We remember Willy as a man who always extended a hand to someone in need. Willy made a difference! May he rest in peace. Surviving are: sons Robert Williams, Brian (Angie) Williams, Allison (Rob) Bartlett; eight grandchildren Ronald, Spencer, Brent, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Abigail, Ellyse, and Sheila; brothers Andrew (Toni) Williams, Mark Williams; Sisters Cynthia Williams and Theresa (Donald) Nicholls; sisters-in-law Julie (Larry) Peterman and Beth Walsh; surrogate father to Walter (Gretchen) Walsh, Daniel (Denise) Walsh, Thomas Walsh, Richard (Lisa) Walsh, and Timothy Walsh. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and granddaughter Megan.
Condolences
Bob will be remembered fondly and with a grin by those of us who graduated with him in 1967 and many who were also grade school classmates. Stories and adventures, where he is the central character, abound. Bob will never be forgotten - and he also passed out darn good cigars. Taken far to soon. Randy
My words alone cannot express the sorrow of Willys passing. Although he was Ill and the last year of his life were challenging for the family, the void he is leaving is immense. Willy was many things to many people. Father, husband, boss, mentor. But mostly he was friend, and he was this to so many people. I am honored to be able to call Willy my friend and will never forget the man. RIP Willy. Steve Carbeck
We were honored to have know Willy. His hearty laugh and great sense of humor made him a joy to be around. His deep love for his family, friends, and community was infectious. We wish his family peace during this difficult time. Much Love - Bill & Rita Gordon Bill & Rita Gordon
Willy was one of a kind and my heart is saddened by his passing. Jean and I will have lasting memories of the times we spent with him and Sheila on the Helene and will also remember the tug boat races that I was privileged to be invited to along with trips to Sturgis. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Les and Jean Beatty
A sad loss of a great man. Our condolences to Willy's family and many friends.
Jeff Jeff Vaughn
Roger, Ryan and I are saddened to learn of the loss your family has suffered. No words will ever do justice to the impact Willy had many people including ourselves. He was a great man and will be missed. Dawn Hittle
My sympathies to Bob’s family members. I knew him through Cindy and remember him with his cigar and his larger than life presence whenever he was in the room. He was a generous soul and a keen read of people. He had a terrific sense of humor that engaged everyone. May you all find comfort in knowing how others saw him. May your memories of Bob be treasured blessings. May he Rest In Peace. K.P. Mahoney
Sincere sympathy to the Williams family.
From Jennie Macoit Jennie Macoit
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