Alvin Chester Williams

1930 - 2013

Alvin Chester Williams

Alvin Chester Williams, 83, passed away on December 29, 2013 at his Seattle home with his children at his side. Al was born December 28, 1930 in Beach, ND to Nolan Chester and Gudrun (Fosjord) Williams. Al graduated from Olympia High School in 1948 and served in the US Marine Corps.

A gifted artist, draftsman and skilled carpenter, Al's passion was Architecture. In 1959 he graduated with honors from the University of Washington School of Architecture and Urban Planning. He began a career in public service as the first president of the Wallingford Community Council. As a member of the Seattle Design Commission, The Ballard Avenue Historic District Board and various other groups he focused on the revitalization of the Wallingford, Fremont and Ballard neighborhoods. He was appointed to the Washington State House of Representatives in 1969 to represent the 32nd District. He was elected to 3 terms in the House and 4 terms in the Senate. Senator Williams specialized in energy legislation and served as chair of the Energy Committee. In 1991 he was the primary sponsor of the ultimately unsuccessful but popular bill aiming to change the Washington State song to "Louis Louis." Retiring from office in 1994, Al returned to Olympia spending his time doing what he enjoyed most; designing, building and traveling.

Al was preceded by his parents, step-father, Marvin Milligan, brother, Johnnie Williams, and step-sister, Betty Gunter. He is survived by his three children, Erin Blitz (Jon) of Charleston, IL, Brock Williams (Margaret) of Seattle, and Hilary Salkind (Ian) of Bellevue. He will be dearly missed by his 5 grandchildren - Ian Blitz of Chicago, Jordan Novak of Mishawaka, IN, Thorin Blitz of Charleston, Jackie Salkind and Quinn Salkind of Bellevue.

A private inurnment at Forest Memorial Gardens in Olympia will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.