John Nelson Williams
John Nelson Williams was born on February 26th, 1949 and was granted his angel wings on November 30th 2010, after his lengthy third battle with cancer. His final days were spent at home in the tender care of his family and friends. He passed peacefully in the arms of his wife, Cyn-d.
John was one of four children born to Irene and Robert "Lex" Williams, Sr. of Toledo, Ohio. His father served in the 82nd Airborne in World War II and sang in the Teutonia Maennerchor for 16 years. His mother served in the Navy during WWII and was a Navy photographer. John attended Toledo's Whitmer High School graduating in 1967 and then from University of Toledo, receiving a degree in Political Science in 1971. He began what would be a successful career as a logistics and merchandising executive when he met and fell in love with his soul mate, Cyn-d Rodriguez of San Francisco. Throughout their marriage they resided in Pleasant Hill, CA, Cincinnati, OH, Mahwah, NJ, Punta Gorda, FL, finally settling in Santa Maria, CA for the past ten years to be close to family. John retired following his first bout with cancer and then attended to his health with nutrition, and with his growing relationship with the Lord. He enjoyed the Central Coast weather and was meticulous in his garden. He enjoyed fine wine, good food and great company. John blessed many people with his extraordinary personality and self-taught gourmet talents. His loves and talents included golf, sailing, the Detroit Tigers baseball team and most notably, the menagerie of furry friends that were always a part of the Williams' household. His extensive library will be an affirmation of his love of reading and collecting books. Most recently, he enjoyed working part-time and making wine and new friends as a barista at Costa De Oro Winery until his focus was redirected towards his health and spiritual needs.
For all those that knew John, his life would seem to have ended too early, but those who were touched by him understand that the quality of his existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which he lived. He was the ideal husband, and considered an angel in life, as he is now after passing. He was a genuinely kind, loving, generous, wise man, and a natural mentor. He was instantly admired by all who met him as it only took a moment to understand how special he was. He was respected and loved by all who knew him and was considered to be "the best of the best." He truly was a wonderful and amazing man and will be missed by all who loved him.
John is preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Cyn-d Williams; siblings Nancy Williams and Linda Berkett Williams and their families. Among the bereaving are families: Chris Solly, Heather, Alycia Sprague Williams. Among the bereaving extended families are: Norris and Marge Ijams, Dorinda Moreno; the Gabaldóns: Richard, Rose, Lela, Ricardo, Michelle and Izelic; the Moreno-Gladden's: Andre (Cunado) and Yani; also, the entire Williams, Whitehead, Rodriguez, Moreno, Beltrán and Garay families; best of friends: Dan and Holly Robedeau, Allen Nicholas, Jerry and Susan Sullivan, Bill and Judy Curley, Tom and Barbara Cole, Rich and Denise Horne-Kaplan, Blair, Dolores and Diane Woods; and so many other special people. And we cannot forget "The Girls"...Sadie, Cosette, and Lucy Williams.
It is the families' goal to have a proper Tribute and Memorial Service, on or near John's birthday (Febuary 26th) to be held at Pacific Christian Center. The date and details will be confirmed and made available as soon as possible.
In lieu of flowers, there are a few organizations which the family knows that John would have found more practical and worthy, as they reflect both his love for animals and the promotion of nutrition and alternative therapies as it relates to cancer. They are:
The Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, 751 Black Rd., Santa Maria, CA 93458
www.smvhs.org; The Cancer Control Society
http://www.cancercontrolsociety.com/support.html; The Cancer Cure Foundation
cancure.org To Rose and Lela Gabaldón, RosaElena Beltrán (y Jose), and Ligia Rodriguez: "Thank you for making my last hours, days, and weeks so meaningful and my passage so peaceful"…..John
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the Lord
805-614-9335
214 N. Lincoln Street,
Santa Maria, CA, 93458

Published by Santa Maria Times on Dec. 12, 2010.