Stephen Michael Williams

"WILLPOWER"
On his 45th birthday, August 2nd, 2006, Stephen M. Williams ended his battle with Lung Cancer and returned to live with his Father in Heaven, happily, and pain free. It was also the 7-month anniversary of his cancer diagnosis. In 1961, he was born to Don and LaJuana Williams in Moscow, Idaho. He was the baby of his family and ready to get out into the world. He had a short life to live, and had things he wanted to accomplish, such as raising 3 children with his wife, Mary Ann. He never let his illness get in the way of his humor and love for life. Steve graduated from Shadle Park High School in Spokane, Washington. He lettered in Football, graduated from Seminary, and obtained the rank of an Eagle Scout. In 1980, he served an honorable mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Holbrook, Arizona. There he not only served the Lord, shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also met life-long friends and gained a love and respect for the Native American culture. Educated at Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah he met his eternal companion, Mary Ann Miller. They were married August 23, 1984, in the Salt Lake Temple. In 1986 he earned a Bachelor of Arts, in Communications. Steve's natural leadership skills, and contagious enthusiasm, proved him success in his career. For 14 years, he worked for Children's Miracle Network, and raised millions of dollars for children's hospitals. There he held many respectable positions, ending his employment as Senior Vice President. Steve was always willing to try new things and go down new and exciting roads. In 1997 he had the privilege of working for the Salt Lake Olympic Committee as the Director of Sponsor Services. In 2003, Steve was appointed the Chief Marketing Officer at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. He enjoyed going to work everyday, and was surrounded by co-workers who loved and respected him. Steve volunteered for the Board of Directors for the Utah State University Navajo Project, Kiwanis International, Boy Scouts of America, and Board of Directors for the Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also held many positions in his church, and community. His interests include: reading, running, cycling, fly-fishing, hiking, skiing, Native American culture, the outdoors, making people laugh, his Toyota Land Cruiser, and his three children. He is survived by his caregiver and wife, Mary Ann; children, Chelsie, Alexandria, and Stephen; parents, Don and LaJuana; brothers, Rich (Becky), Dony (Pam), and sister, Michele (Tim) Toone; Mother-in-Law, Marie Miller; cousins, and several nieces and nephews who called him, their favorite uncle. Grandparents, and Father-in-Law, Dick Miller preceded him in death. A viewing will be held at the Draper Stake Center, 13085 S., 300 E., on Monday, August 7, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens. A memorial account has been set up in Steve's name at Zion's Bank. Friends and Family can visit our online guest book at www.stephenmwilliams.com. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Utah Cancer Specialists, the "whole team" at Cottonwood radiation therapy, and Intermountain Hospice.