Wilfred Jarvis 'Fred' Williams

Wilfred Jarvis ""Fred"" Williams, passed away January 28, 2012 of complications from a stroke he suffered on January 16. His wife, Marlene S. Williams, and daughters Stacy Evans Williams Jensen and Jennifer Ann Williams were at his side. Fred is also survived by his son-in-law Brian Jensen and grandchildren Halle Elisabeth Jensen, Connor David Williams Jensen, and Alex Haydn Jensen of Centennial, Colorado; brother Franklin E. Williams of Coppell, TX; and nieces Melissa Giraldo of Katy, TX and Shannon Floyd of Houston, TX. Fred was born in Calgary, Canada on October 20, 1942, the oldest son of Wilfred Jarvis Williams, Sr. and Lela Isabelle Wooten. Fred spent his early years living in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and the United States. He graduated from New Mexico Military Institute and the University of Colorado. After serving one enlistment in the Army, leaving with the rank of Captain, Fred went to work in the oil patch where his work took him from various places in the US and Canada to international locals including Singapore, the People's Republic of China, Brazil and Denmark. Fred's work or travels took him to every continent except Antartica. He and Marlene were married in Denver on March 12, 1983 and have been happily living in Parker, Colorado for the past sixteen years. With his outgoing nature and through his travels Fred touched the lives of many and will be missed by his friends all over the globe. Affectionately nicknamed GrandFarley by his three Grandchildren he was a loving, involved and occasionally exasperated Grandfather. Baffled a bit by the energy of them he was always proud of their accomplishments and loved spending time with them. To his daughters, who had perfected the ""yeah Dad"" eye roll, he was loving, proud and supportive of us always. He showed us the world through many travels and taught us how to appreciate life. We never tired of his stories and we will all miss him greatly, know that you were loved Dad. Marlene Williams, Fred's loving wife: ""With his bigger than life personality and a desire to travel and experience new places and cultures, when I met Fred it completely changed my world. He introduced me to people, places and experiences that I would not have ventured on my own. He was not only my husband; he was my best friend, my confidant, my love, and my companion. He was a constant source of strength, support and encouragement for me. I was so very blessed to have had him in my life. He was truly loved; and he will forever be missed."" Eve La Rosa: ""Fred Williams was an icon for the La Rosa girls. The Shekou softball games, Hash Runs and Snake Pit alone stand out as stories we traditionally retell whenever we get together as a family. And the memories of the William's from those days are not only in our minds but plastered all over our photo walls and throughout so many of our collective photo albums. But most of all, the strong and indelible friendship Fred shared with Dad developed into a phrase that has become a part of my everyday vocabulary. When trying describe a new friendship to my parents I use the term 'he's my Fred Williams' and instantly my parents understand that I have met someone who will be a strong, true and loyal friend and a friend that will be with me through the ages. If all of us had a Fred William's in our life, the world would be a much better, happier and beautiful world. We are all better for Fred Williams."" Norm's letter to Fred: ""Ah Fred you were a true and loyal friend and it was a privilege to know you my dear mate. And thank you for bringing Marlene into our lives. You certainly lucked out there my friend! You were so good together. Ah, the many fond memories from the days when we first met in China and then the setting up of Expat housing and the society of Shekou in Southern China over 26 years ago …the meals we shared…the tennis games….the beach….the softball games……your hair poking out of the back of your ball cap…the Franks boys riding your BBQ pit down the hill to their place…your borrowing my motor bike because it was against Amoco policy for Amoco employees to own a bike….then your wheeling the bike back one day with bits hanging of it after you had run into a caribou. The setting up of the Snake Pit bar where the expats could comfortably run amok with Marlene keeping us all honest at the till…It is still operating today with its membership well to over 5, 000 still desperate expats..Then at your home on the hill of Shekou, The Murder Mystery party and the Sock Hop party, fancy dress up affairs in attempt to keep us all sane in our unusual lives. ALL SO much fun! Then turning your house into a beautiful occasion for Judy's and my 25th wedding anniversary…all just with you ever laughing and being the fun loving host, a reflection of your life. You proudly introduced us to your girls whom you loved openly and included us in their progress into adult hood and you rejoiced in their returning ever close to you in Parker. You enjoyed our own three girls, Jane, Eve, and Victoria and facilitated Tor's rapid exit to doctors in Hong Kong when she ""Did a Tor"" and came off a browed motorbike one night. Always enjoying their company whilst there and following their progress(or lack of it!) when they left, with interest of one who genuinely cared for them. After you left us in Shekou, you later visited us in Singapore where we just laid back and enjoyed each other's company there and a had VERY monsoonal week on Tioman Island. That was still a lot of fun. Always so comfortable in each other's company. There was the time you and Marlene took us on an excellent tour of the Civil War Trail (of which you were an enthuastic an authoritarian) Seeing this with you took us foreigners from the vague historians when we had started out, to where we were are to this day – ""The Aussie Know It Alls"" on this loved part of your history. Thank You. Then there we were again in Denver enjoying the gloriously snow laden mountains that you loved so much with you telling us yet again of your involvement of the area and we felt at home. You introduced us to the wonder of a Good Buffalo Burger. And something Judy and I will never forgive you and Marlene for ""Here, have a bite of this Cinnabon"" We are addicted to them to this day. You came to visit us at Jane and Jason's home in Charleston Sth Carolina for a sausage making party on a weekend and even then you introduced us to yet more interesting facts of this area than we had professed before and treated us to ""Quoted you"">>…"" to the best Meal and service you had ever had"" at daughter Jane's then restrauant. On our visit to you last in Denver, you and Marlene once more gave us wonderful insight to your area and showed with love and pride, your home - You really loved that fire place in the bathroom and the gorgeous view of the Rockies from you back porch- Always impressed by your obvious love of your dogs and then the added bonus of once more meeting up with your girls, son-in-law and those beautiful grandchildren where we were welcomed as family in their home..It was a privilege. And how many people have as a friend one whose hobby is to invent things!!! Not only to invent them but to apply for the patents as well!! The only regret we have is that you and Marlene did not get to join us on the house boat. But Family, you are always welcome. We will miss your famous infectious giggle and the intense ""strong discussions"" of any topic you were exasperated about at the time. Your opinions were well researched and it was fun when we did not agree. Of course, there was always your much loved comb over we wanted to cut off but you loved it and it was ""you."" I am sure we will soon notice the drop in shares of your ""preferred drink"" Bacardi. We were supposed to share in a glass or two for still many years to come Fred but you chose to move on a little too early. So now I guess all that is left to say is Adios Old Friend. We will think of you a lot and talk of how you were in our lives so. Till we meet again……."" The family will be planning a celebration of his life to be held later this year. Please share memories and leave condolences for Fred's family by signing the guestbook.