Roger Williams Obituary

Roger Williams
Mount Hermon
DEATH OF MOUNT HERMON CEO
Roger E. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mount Hermon Christian Camps and Conference Center, near Felton, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, September 14, 2014, at 3:50 p.m. He was 67.
Williams succumbed to the cancer that he called "his insidious dance partner" after more than two years of arduous struggle, during which he continued to teach, preach and provide visionary leadership for the ministry that he loved. His death came just a few days after his 21st anniversary in this role at Mount Hermon.
Williams died surrounded by family and friends in his beloved Mount Hermon home. He is survived by his bride of 43 years, Rachel, and two daughters: Sara, wife of Jeremy Bentley and mother of Dylan, and Joy, wife of Nate Yetton and mother of Miles.
After graduating Magna Cum Laude in Communications, from Michigan State University, Williams studied Theology at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, (Deerfield, IL). After seminary Williams served as Legislative Assistant to a Washington, D.C. congressman. He later joined Computer Science Corporation, directing their marketing division in five Midwestern states.
In 1981, Williams accepted a call to ministry, turning to directing camps and conference centers. He served as the executive leader at Camp Barakel (Fairview, MI), America's Keswick (Whiting, NJ), and Gull Lake, (Hickory Corners, MI), before coming to Mount Hermon in 1993. His legislative and business backgrounds brought a professionalism, entrepreneurial spirit and unique perspective to camping, significantly impacting his ministries, and thousands of camp and conference centers nationwide. He served in regional and national Christian Camp and Conference Association leadership, and has been a prolific speaker and teacher. An ordained minister of the gospel, Williams was pastor to many who served with him.
A private gathering was held shortly after Williams' home-going for family and intimate friends. A memorial service for the public will be held on October 26, 2014. Details can be found on the Mount Hermon website at mounthermon.org or on Rachel's blog at rogandrach.net. A memorial fund has been established with gifts directed to helping Mount Hermon achieve the envisioned future that Williams has articulated for those who follow. (For a more complete obituary go to mount hermon.org.)
Questions to:
Lisa Olson
Director of Program Ministries and Marketing
[email protected] 831.430.1202

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

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Sep. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger Williams

Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.

4 Entries

Much love always

nicole corren

October 4, 2014

I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to know and work with Roger Williams. He was such a rare and true example of our Lord Jesus Christ! What a faithful man through his whole illness struggle. He continued to shine the Light of Jesus and be such a testimony to all those who were near him. Truly he will NEVER be replaced! I KNOW he will be looking down on us at Mt. Hermon and smiling as he is in the Loving Arms of Jesus now. I feel so VERY blessed to have known him and look forward to seeing him again in Heaven for all eternity. His smiling face remains in my heart. God's greatest comfort to Roger's precious wife Rachel and his two daughters. Much love and prayers to you all, Nicole Corren

Steven Mendoza

September 22, 2014

My Condolences to the Roger Williams Family. I didn't know Roger, but I had a working relationship with Mt. Hermon from 1982-1989. I am certain that Roger made a huge difference in his leadership and ministry at Mt. Hermon touching many, many, lives. Even in his passing, his contributions will go on and on. May God's compassion touch the family and close friends today and days to come.

Jenna

September 20, 2014

I feel so blessed to have known such an amazing human being! There are some people that truly make an impact in your life, and Roger was one of those people in my life. Rachel, the love that you and Roger shared was an inspiration...you are in my thoughts and prayers.

September 19, 2014

Thank you, Williams family, for sharing with the Mount Hermon attendees, your husband/father. He made such an impact on the guests. We frequented Summer Camps for the past 15 or so years, as well as Mother's Day service and brunch and the winter and summer concerts. There was Roger, always welcoming us with a hearty "Hello, Welcome To Mount Hermon!" We are very grateful for his enduring ministry.

Bradley and Margie Yee