Richard James Williams

      To Richard James Williams, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Richie, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Richie really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

      Richie was born on March 19, 1957 at Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Pasco, Washington. His parents were Dick & Aline Williams. Richie was raised in Finley, Washington. Even as a child, Richie had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

      Always a good playmate, Richie was easygoing and fun loving. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Richie managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Richie was raised with two siblings. Older brothers Steve and Marc.

      All of Richie's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Richie experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in horse back riding. In his spare time he liked going to work with his dad. Richie's memorable achievements included junior rodeo.

      Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Richie was a class “cut-up.” He didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Richie simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Richie, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. Since experience was Richie's best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Richie left Riverview High School to work with his dad in 1973. He continued his education in auctioneering school in Billings, Montana.

      Perhaps the reason Richie related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own child. Richie was blessed with one child, Edith. Richie had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with the daughter, that’s where all of his attention was directed. Richie's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining with fun and creative play. In fact, Richie had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

      At work, as in life, Richie was a real “people person. ” he had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Richie liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Richie was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Richie's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Richie as an excellent problem solver. He worked with his Father and Family in support of Williams Industrial Auctioneers. After his Fathers passing Rich took the leadership roll as the primary Auctioneer for hte company. After settling in Portland he went to work for Coffman Excavation as an equipment operator and remained with them for 17 years.

      Richie had an endless appetite for new and different activities. He was always ready to join in the fun and add his flair and energy to an organization. Because of his personality, his humor, and his ability to get along with everyone, Richie's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which he belonged. Throughout his later years, Richie was an active member of the Oregon Chapter of Operating Engineers, Local 701 in Portland, Oregon.

      Richie was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of Richie's favorites was Nikki Little & Wiggles. They were best buddies for many years.

      Richie passed away on August 5, 2008 at his home in Portland, Oregon from unexpected natural causes. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Aline and Robert Bowers of Kennewick, Washington. A daughter and son in law, Edi and Benji Medina of Quincy, Washginton. His partner in life, Dolly Rossi of Portland, Oregon. His grandchildren. His brothers, Marc Williams of Pasco, Washington and Steve Williams of Valdez, Alaska. Nieces and Nephews, Tracy Jackson, Marci Ridinger, Steven Richard Williams , Jason Williams and Ryan Williams. Rich was preceded in death by his father, Richard Earl Williams of Kennewick, Washington. Services are to be held at Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes in Portland, Oregon. Wednesday August 13, 2008 at 2:00pm.

      Richie brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Richard James Williams lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.