David Kenneth Williams
July 16, 1952 – November 19, 2021

The family of David Kenneth Williams said goodbye to their wonderful trailblazer on Friday, November 19, after a long season of missing him while he lived with dementia.

David was born in San Diego. He moved to Trinity County in 1979 and built a barn (completely on his own) as a home. In 1980, he met his beloved Becky (Walden) while they both worked at Trinity Hospital in Weaverville. For both Dave and Becky, it was crush at first sight, and they married on April 16, 1981.

They built a new home together near East Weaver Creek. He created an oasis next to the creek, with plentiful vegetable gardens and lush grass to play – even adding a bedroom to the house after their son, James, was born. Dave’s shared his dedication to artistry and unstoppable work ethic with James, who now uses his father’s tools to improve a home for his own family.

Local musicians, elementary students, and artists may remember Dave’s Drums – this was the man behind the stunning woodwork. He created beautiful sounds and drums with James at his side. The family sold the drums at the Tribal Stomp most years and became friendly with other makers.

Dave knew every song released by Neil Young and the Bridge School Benefit concert was an annual family tradition. One year, in the pouring rain, they attended in full raingear, and were rewarded by an impromptu performance by Robin Williams.

David led the way on family bike-packing trips from Vancouver to Oregon, fishing for redtail perch at Gold Bluffs Beach or trout in Trinity Lake, adventures in Mexico, camping at Kangaroo Lake, and skiing every year at Mount Shasta.

On his lunch breaks from working as the groundskeeper and janitor at Trinity High School, Dave rode his bicycle up Oregon mountain for exercise. On other days, he sat at the potter’s wheel in the art classroom and taught himself to throw. While living in Redding after retirement, Dave joined the Shasta Wheelmen and loved riding with James on weekends. He continued to ride after moving to McKinleyville with his family in 2013, hitting the road up to Trinidad several times per week.

David looked forward to being a Papa one day. We are thrilled that his grandson inherited his spirited curls, impish crooked smile, and deep brown eyes. Though Dave’s illness prevented him from ever knowing his grandson, we know he would have loved him wholeheartedly.

David’s family and friends are grateful to the kind caregivers at Timber Ridge Renaissance in McKinleyville, where he lived for the last four years of his life.

David Kenneth will be remembered by his wife Becky; son James (Cari); grandson Ronan Kenneth; mother Veronica Fagan; siblings Joann Beattie-Williams, Kevin Williams, and Gary (Annie) Williams; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his little sister, Beverly, whom we expect that he has found and hugged.

As David wished, he was cremated and will be returned to the sea. Memorial traditions with family will be held privately. Donations in David’s name can be made to The Bridge School, by mail at 545 Eucalyptus Avenue, Hillsborough CA 94010, or via their website (https://www.bridgeschool.org/support).

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