Deane Williams

Still think of this extraordinary craftsman and wonderful man every time I drive by 706 South East Street in Amherst, the house he brought from the late eighteenth century into the modern world.

I still think of him fondly and gratefully. He turned out declining 1825 Federal brick house into the real thing with great historical imagination and amazing hands. Thank you again, good friend.

We sent the following to the Amherst Bulletin today:


It is with much sadness that we learned this week of the death of one of the finest carpenters I have ever known, Deane Williams of Leeds. Between 1978 and 1988, the Neill family of that time managed, and, so far as the initial and grunt work was concerned (wire brushing bricks, tearing out walls, tung oiling floors), executed the restoration and remodeling of what is known as the Justis Williams (no relation I don't expect)...

Jan, we are sorry for your loss. We have only just become friends through our loss. You are a remarkable woman and our prayers go out to you and your family.
Rose, Kari Ann and Maralee
your tag sale friends

I am so sad to hear that Deane is gone - I have no words. He had great spirit and my family and I will always remember him and all the beautiful work he did on our house. My sympathy to all the family, especially Jan.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Deane was such a great guy and a wonderful friend to my Father George he will be missed.

Dean worked on my parents historic (1791) house at 706 South East Street in Amherst for many years of my young life. Seeing his face here brought such a smile to my face today. So many afternoons I came home from school at ARJHS to him and his crew. The smell of saw dust always reminds me of my childhood, that house, and his face. He had such talent, and helped realize the complicated restoration dreams that my parents had for a very very old and imperfect house. A true whiz at making the...

Deane and his son worked wonders on our home at 706 Southeast Street in Amherst in the late 70s and early 80s and he felt like a member of the family when he was there working. We are so sad to hear of his passing.