Charlie Williams, 58

Charlie Williams, 58, passed away Aug. 20, 2016. He had been battling aggressive lymphoma cancer since October 2015. The cancer returned following a stem cell transplant and unfortunately took him from us.

Charlie was born and raised in Spokane Valley, graduated from East Valley High School in 1976 and attended the University of Idaho. Early in his career, he worked for the family company, American Sign & Indicator. He was proud of his father, Chuck Williams, who invented the Time & Temperature sign and established the world’s largest sign company. His charisma and magnetic personality paved his way for a successful career in sales and eventually led to creating his own company, Seattle IT Group, offering networking services to companies in the Seattle area. He absolutely loved his customers and his customers loved him.

Charlie cherished his friends, family, fishing, good red wine, music and spending time in North Idaho. He made his illness comfortable for others. Even though he did not have much energy, he continued to be funny and witty, loved being outdoors, going to restaurants, parades and a final boat ride on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Patsy Williams. He is survived and dearly missed by his beautiful daughter, Ashley Williams; her loving mother, Theresa Wong Williams; his three fat sisters, Kim Nance, Cindy Williams and Heidi Acuff; two old brothers-in-law, Mark and Pat; and one talented nephew, Colby Acuff.

We are grateful for all the love and support by Charlie’s family and friends during his illness and send a special thank you to Chuck and Kris Kusak and Jamie and Melanie Kelly, of Seattle, for continually being there when most needed. We would like to also send a heartfelt “thank you” to the Hospice House of North Idaho, where Charlie and family spent his final days.

The family prefers memorial contributions in Charlie’s name to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

A private family celebration will be held at a later date that will include wine, music and funny stories. Yates Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements and you may visit Charlie’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.