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Davis Chisulo WILLIAMS

1973 - 2016

BORN

1973

DIED

2016

About

Princeton University Montgomery High School

Davis WILLIAMS Obituary

WILLIAMS, Davis Chisulo Born in Vallejo on December 11, 1973, Sulo tragically succumbed to alcoholism in Los Angeles on November 4, 2016. A talented musician, writer, actor, swimmer and tri-athlete, he was a graduate of Montgomery High School and Princeton University where he earned a degree in English and a certificate in theater arts. Sulo suffered from depression since adolescence and later used alcohol to relieve his on-going symptoms. In 1999, Sulo endured the tragic loss of his only sibling, Neemie. He never reconciled the death of his joy-filled younger brother with his own continued existence. Although the close bond he shared with his mother sustained them both these last seventeen years, his grieving became a central force in his life. Sulo leaves his mother Barbara Williams of Santa Rosa, his father Don Williams of San Luis Obispo, his son Justice Fernandez Williams of El Cerrito, his cousins Jim Noonan of Santa Rosa, Frank Noonan of Portland, Nancy Simpson of Santa Rosa, and their families, as well as many friends. Barbara was overwhelmed with the deep love she felt the first moment she held Sulo, and was thankful she was there as her beloved son took his last breath. She asks that you remember Sulo as you knew him; smart, funny, creative, driven, and generous. No formal services are planned. Donations in his memory may be made to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at www.ncadd.org , or to a mental health or alcohol and drug abuse prevention organization.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Nov. 18 to Nov. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Davis WILLIAMS

Sponsored by Fayvor Love.

42 Entries

Justice Williams

March 30, 2024

I wish we had more time together pops, love you

Sevgi

February 2, 2023

Loved and missed. It's crazy how much our son is like you! Be at peace

Devin Hallett

Planted Trees

Nick Frazee

February 11, 2020

I knew Sulo from two different sources; met him when we probably six or seven in a young children class piano class, and then we were in the Santa Rosa Neptunes swim club together. It was my mother who encouraged Barbara to get him involved in swimming, as it happens. We were close enough friends to have had a sleepover or two at each other's houses as young boys, and I have many memories of wonderful times in all those contexts, music, swimming, just hanging out together. What a profound loss this is, one of my first best friends, and one of my best best friends. We fell out of contact and had not spoken since the late 1980s when we were around 12 or 13 and I moved away from Santa Rosa, but a part of him will remain living as long as I do.

Nick Frazee

February 11, 2020

Stacie Shriver

December 9, 2017

I am SO sad to hear of this! Sulo is my first memory of kindergarten-second grade. I was just telling my daughter about him when I decided to look him up and found this. Even at such a young age I knew he was special. He was my "first boyfriend" .....living just a few houses down from my babysitter's house before I moved away for a couple years. Ran into him again at a basketball game in Jr. High.....he recognized me (from 2nd grade), he looked the same to me as well. He will always be remembered and will always be a part of my life's story. My condolences to his family ❤

Lori Jensen

November 4, 2017

Barbara, my thoughts are with you and the rest of his friends and family today. Even now, he has a way of making me laugh through the tears..... those memories will always live in my heart.

Chris Castelli

November 4, 2017

So sorry for your loss.

Wendy Diplock

April 25, 2017

Hi Barbara, I really hope that the days are getting easier - if that is even possible. We miss Sulo and think of him often. If you could reach out to myself or Renata - we'd like to offer any support. Best, Wendy (and Levi)

Renata Marchand

April 24, 2017

I've been living next door to Sulo for the past decade and have only just heard about this. My husband and I are extremely sadden by this news and praying for him and the family he left behind.
I would love to be able to get in touch with Sulo's mom Barbara, my email is [email protected].
Rest in Peace Sulo!

April 17, 2017

i'm just hearing about this terrible tragedy. sulo and i were mates and he played drums with my band of princeton gypsies in the attic of t.i.- he always brought amazing, positive energy. that kid i remember, young, engaging, talented sulo- perhaps he shined too brightly. maybe too often he needed to take the edge off- i can relate. i am sorry i only now am receiving this news but i have a couple of cassette tapes of our music sessions and i once wrote a poem about a young sulo and a guy named simo (sulo balanced simo in the air using his legs- can't remember why!) and i will review them tonight, soberly, and reflect on a massive talent that deserves to still be here and whom i wish i could have helped, or with whom i wish i could have at least played one more song.

ferdinand becker drane

Julia Ackley

March 29, 2017

Dear Barbara and Don,

I went to Village, Slater and Montgomery with Sulo. Although I was a grade above him and we weren't always running in the same crowd we did cross paths a lot.

I have a very clear memory of this funny video Sulo and Julian made for our French class. It was an assignment, and for many of us, this meant doing the bare minimum. Not for those two. They created an elaborate crime plot and filmed a chase scene in their cars while yelling in French (perfectly) at each other the whole time. It was above and beyond anyone else's work in the class. And to top it off, it was very entertaining and funny.

I will always have memories like this one of Sulo. I hope your memories bring you comfort during this time. I am so sorry for your loss. And thank you for your honest obituary. Only good can come from speaking openly about mental health.

Sincerely, Julia

February 26, 2017

Hi Barbara and Family,
Again, I am so sorry for your loss..everyone's loss. If you could please kindly email me. Love and healing for all.
Best,
Wendy
[email protected]

Scotty Robb

January 6, 2017

Thanks for the memories

theo

December 16, 2016

my deepest condolences.
while i seriously regret having lost contact with Sulo for the last 20 years, i am so very thankful to have had him as a friend. we shared some very good times and deep conversations.
i remember him as one of the most intelligent, talented, profound, inspiring, loving and celebratory people i've ever met.
he is, and will be, missed greatly by so many.
now at peace, i'm sure his spirit is truly free.
love to you, Sulo!

Tomas Matza

December 14, 2016

To Barbara, Don, Justice and the rest of Sulo's extended family-

I was so saddened to read about Sulo's passing. Sulo was a wonderful personthe kind of friend you could count on to lift your spirits, the kind of friend with whom it was easy to be honest, even about your own embarrassing fears. I knew him best at Princeton and, later, in San Francisco, as an incredibly generous, fun-loving, and enthusiastic person.

Over the last few days, I've been reflecting on how much I owe him from those years. Sulo introduced me to so many of the things that still bring me joy. In college, he was the one who took me to buy my first guitar amp in NYC, and who pulled me into playing music with a group of upperclassmen in a dingy attic. Those meandering jam sessions were tense for me, the new guy, but Sulo was unwavering in his confidence in me. Don't worry about hitting the wrong note, he would say. And I'm pretty sure he was the one who told me a story of how Miles Davis, on hitting the wrong note, would repeat it, turning a mistake into a new theme. (I'm certainly no Miles Davis, though!) Those jams would become the precursor to many other bands with SuloStem, the Ska Kings, and Red Delicious. He was a fantastic drummer, by the way, such fun to play with. In the early post-grad days in San Francisco, I more or less learned how to surf with Sulo, leaving work early and driving in his white Jeep over the Golden Gate Bridge to Stinson with two boards sticking out the back. (The surf was usually terrible, but the trip was always a blast.) Later, it was Sulo who put me in touch with his buddy, who shaped the board I still ride today. While he was living in LA, he took my younger brother in when he was trying to find his footing in LA. My brother is the last of the two of us to have seen Sulo. More significant than any of these thingsand they are all significant to meis the fact that Sulo played the role of match-maker with my partner, Nicole, on a plane flight from California back to Princeton. Our two children, and the many adventures that have followed, have brought so much happiness. Sulo made our wedding in 2002, even at a time when he was struggling with some difficult personal issues.

I will always regret loosing touch with Sulo. He was a good man, a person who spread so much joy to others. I wish that I could have returned more of the favor to him. But, Sulo being Sulo, what will resonate strongest of all in my head is not regret, but Sulo's laugh. It was loud, joyful, authentic and contagious.

Sulo, you are very much missed.

Josh Morris

December 12, 2016

I have fond memories of my time at Princeton with Sulo. He was a good friend and mentor. I send my deepest condolences to his family.

Monica

December 12, 2016

Sulo was one of my very favorite people. He had the ability to make me love the parts of myself that I didnt know how to love. He was funny, spontaneous, made a lovely first impression, well read, laughed loudly, and was well loved by everyone I saw him interact with. I'm a better person because of him and he will be deeply missed. He struggled with addiction, but he was also so very much more.
Rest In Peace, Sulo.

David Newman

December 12, 2016

Sulo was a friend and fraternity brother at Princeton. Will never forget Sulo's smile, intelligence and the twinkle in his eye. Sharing in sadness at his loss and sending prayers for healing and peace to his parents and family.

Ben Pecht

December 7, 2016

Sulo was a close friend, roommate, and fellow swimmer at Princeton. I am so saddened to hear this news today. Sula was an absolute character. One of a kind. I'll never forget his larger than life smile and spirit. The world misses you brother.

December 5, 2016

Dear Barbara and Don,
Sulo attended my acting classes in Los
Angeles, for quite some time and he was brilliant, kind, generous, warm and original.
Truly truly one of a kind and I am so sorry for your tremendous loss.
Sending so much love to you.
Martha Gehman, Los Angeles

Heather Kilmurray

November 25, 2016

Sulo was my very first friend as a child. I still have a picture of him and I in our Halloween costumes when we were around 4 or 5. I was always so proud of him as we grew up through school together. Always looked up to him. What an amazing soul he was and I am so blessed to have known him.

Barbara and Don, my family sends you all the love in the world at this difficult time. Our hearts are broken for you.

Thank you for the wonderful memories Sulo. You are deeply missed.

November 24, 2016

Dear Barbara, Can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I remember Sulo from way back in 2nd grade.. There are no words but my heart is aching for you, Sending you love. Jane Kleimo

Gloria De Salvo

November 24, 2016

I am so sorry . My condolences, Barbara and Don

Gloria De Salvo

November 24, 2016

I am so very sorry. My Condolences, Barbara and Don.

Julia McCauley-Mullins

November 22, 2016

To Barbara and Sulo:
May the blessings of love be upon you
May its peace abide with you
May its essence illuminate your heart
Now and forever more
Sufi Blessing

Patricia Coughlan

November 21, 2016

You don't know me, but I'm sure I speak for many in wanting to thank you so deeply for the loving tribute in the paper for your beloved son. Wishing you and yours peace, healing, and the very best always. Thank you again.

Bolt Family

November 19, 2016

My kids were younger than Neemie and Sulo, but remember them them both in the most wonderful way. Sulo - full of life and light. Always smiling with energy. Truly talented! We met through the Neptune family. Love and peace to you and Don.

Luisa Ferrante

November 19, 2016

Love you Sulo, rest in peace!

Luisa Ferrante

November 19, 2016

Hello Barbara, My heart is broken, I met Sulo in 2000 when we were searching for his perfect home. We remained friends and he so brought me so much joy and laughter. All my love to you and your family.xoxo

Maureen Silver

November 19, 2016

Sulo and Neemie will always be part of my memories of our SRN years. On behalf of my family, I extend our sincere condolences.

Alex Silver

November 19, 2016

Dear Barbara and Don, I'm sad to hear of Sulo's passing. He was such a complex and beautiful guy. Memories of watching Gremlins at your house in the eighties then sleeping over and talking about which girls on the swim team we thought were cute. Eighth grade dance he dressed up in a tux and drove Carrie Dobbin and me to dinner and the dance in his silver and black Mercedes (how awesome to have a 10th grader driving us around to a Jr high dance!) Driving down to Clovis in Barbara's Nissan mini-van chewing tobacco and eating oranges then throwing up in the backseat. (Sorry Barbara). He was always a big figure in my life growing up and a big brother type person full of life, energy, creativity and magic. Barbara and Don I hope you have grace at this difficult time. Thank you for bringing Sulo into the world and for loving him. All of us on the swim team loved him.

Rob Jones

November 19, 2016

Barbara, Don, I'm so sorry. He was such a damn bright light. To so many. A pure force.

I definitely regret not having more to do better by him as we got older...and especially early on. I honestly didn't know how to...he was so sharp, confident...on it...with sensitivity...and that ridiculous smile. I didn't want to mess that up.

You made a gem...he set the bar for us in a lot of ways. Thank you for the opportunity to have known him.

Joe Walsh

November 19, 2016

Sulo,Sulo bright,bright star,
indelible smile that would light up a room like a small fire and we would warm are hands.Kind and witty.Coleman's Band Room or the Slater track.Julian and you,exchanging asides.Sweet and superior.Looking for challenges like a champion.You were born to be hoisted by your peers and community.Coaches and teacher would shake their heads and say: You gotta love that kid.

Ross Hause

November 18, 2016

I remember the days our ska band (No Big Deal) jammed/held practice in his tiny bedroom. I don't know how we all fit in there. Good times. Condolences out to the family. This news is sad to hear.

Anna Bauer

November 18, 2016

I remember Sulo playing the timpani like yesterday in the preparatory orchestra and Montgomery symphony. He was funny, effervescent, full of joy and hope. I remember him when our band teacher passed away at Slater, Sulo was so brave. My heart breaks for a life cut short too soon, he was a treasure. May your memories give you comfort.

Laurie Ballentine

November 18, 2016

Barbara, My heart aches for you today as I read of the loss of Sulo! I knew Sulo from when I worked at Village Elementary School. In addition to being a classroom assistant, I did yard duty! He and his best friend in first grade loved to roll around in the sawdust. Afterwards he'd run up to me and ask me to pick the sawdust out of his fro! He said his dad would kill him if he came home with sawdust in his hair! So dramatic! It was our special daily ritual! He was a wonderful bright kid! My kids grew up with Neemie and I can only imagine the pain he endured with losing his little brother! Barbara, you were such a blessing to my own children, TJ and Nick Reed, that attended Ridgway! As a grateful mother, I will be praying that God comforts you during this difficult time.

Suzanne Wallach

November 18, 2016

I met Sulo through Dave Toliver back in 2000, and we have remained friends since. we texted not too long before he passed, and I am so grateful that our last phone conversation was him calling me in September to wish me a happy birthday. I got to tell him how much I loved him, and vice Versa. Although we were not in constant contact, he was one of my best friends that was just always in my life. I am absolutely devastated by his passing. He had called me several times for help, and I always tried to assist in any way I could. I will always remember him as hilarious, full of life and energy, and the only person alive I would let call me Suzy Q. He gave me a place to live when I needed one, cooked me food when I was broke, and was a friend I will never replace. I loved him deeply, and am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. The world is definitely dimmer now. Rest in peace, my beautiful friend, you're free to fly wherever you want now.

Donald Johnson

November 18, 2016

I only met Sulo once during the 1980's when I visited Donell on Easter Sunday. He was as his obituary described as I recall from my brief visit.

Don Archer

November 18, 2016

One of the bright lights is gone from us. Barbara and Don, my heart goes out to you.

Art Trinei, and family

November 18, 2016

I have very fond memories of Sulo and the Santa Rosa Neptunes. To me, the spirit of those times still lives, and will forever.

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