Dr. David Irwin Williams

Dr. David I. Williams, age 70, of Astoria, Oregon lost his battle to cancer on November 18, 2014 in Seaside, Oregon.  He was born August 21, 1944 in Bottineau, N.D. to Fernann and Esther Williams. He was raised with his two older brothers Barrett and Rodney Williams in ND.  David graduated from Bottineau High School in 1962. He attended Jamestown College where he met Mary Landes. David and Mary were married August 27, 1965 in Williston, N.D. He graduated with a degree in Biology and Physics in 1966. David and Mary moved to Forest Grove, OR where he attended Pacific University Optometry School. David was graduated with a Doctor of Optometry degree in 1970. David enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Captain in the Medical Service Corps as an Optometrist at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, NY. In 1972, David and Mary purchased the optometry practice and moved to Astoria, OR. David worked in his office for 42 years. He loved his job and he loved his patients dearly. He believed in providing good service with care and respect for his patients. David will be remembered for many things. He was a good man and very loving, caring and generous. He loved spending time with his family and his family loved spending time with him. David enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. He loved woodworking, and helping his family with home projects. David built his present home and office building and felt that if he wasn’t an optometrist, he would have been a carpenter. Growing up in North Dakota he enjoyed bird hunting and fishing with his dad, brothers and friends. He loved telling stories of their hunting adventures and sharing fond memories of his youth in North Dakota. David kept a positive up-beat attitude throughout his life and battle with cancer. He always wanted to know how everyone else was doing and if there was anything he could do to help. David was involved in many community activities and groups including Astoria Lions and Rotary club and a sponsor of Ducks Unlimited. David did many good deeds and made contributions anonymously throughout his life. He lived by the Golden Rule. David suddenly lost his wife, Mary Williams, in 2008 to a heart attack. David remarried Sue Malinen in 2010. David is survived by Sue Williams, wife (Astoria, OR); Kirk and Jean Williams, son and daughter-in-law (Naselle, WA); Michelle Williams, daughter; Nate, Sarah and Caleb Malinen, step-children (Astoria, OR), Jake, Nick, Anna, Hannah, Connor, Lylia and Ridge, grandchildren (Astoria/Naselle area); Barrett Williams, brother (Tucker, GA); Eric Williams, (Renton, WA) and Jeff Williams (Charlotte, NC), nephews; Cari Jones (Raleigh, NC), Lisa Clark (Raleigh, NC), Beth Gaugler (Dunn Center, ND), Carmen Baker (Columbus, Montana) and Jennifer Dragseth (Towner, ND); nieces. Rodney Williams, brother (Miami, FL) preceded him in death in 1991. Contributions can be made to one’s favorite charity or to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. A Memorial Service was held in David’s honor Sunday November 23rd at the Maritime Museum in Astoria, OR.  David will be dearly missed.