Edwin Allen Williams, 86, died Sunday, November 22, 2015 at the Methodist Hospital in Sacramento, California. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Katherine (Bartoo) Williams; daughter Jennifer Bursey and husband Tom; daughter Kathleen Vasquez and husband Anthony; grandchildren Kevin Bursey, Christopher Bursey, Marcelino Vazquez, and Isabella Vazquez; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and countless friends.

Ed was born in Angels Camp and raised in Murphys, the sixth child of Charles H. and Ann Grace Williams. He graduated from Bret Harte High School in 1947, working full time for White Pines Sawmill while attending high school. After graduation, Ed worked for Pacific Gas and Electric stringing power lines across Northern California. Drafted to the Army during the Korean War, he fought for and served his country, and was awarded the Purple Heart. He obtained the rank of Sargent, and became a driver for General Hayden Boatner. When faced with the offer to make the Army a career or go home, Ed chose to GO HOME!

After the war, Ed drove truck for Calaveras Cement in San Andreas. He decided he wanted more in life, so he enrolled at Modesto Junior College, majoring in Engineering. There he met the love of his life, Katherine Bartoo. They married August 24, 1957 and move to Berkeley where Ed continued his education. He graduated in June, 1959 from University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Civil Engineering and went to work for Continental Heller. Later he worked for the State of California, first for the Department of Water Resources and, finally, for the State Department of Parks and Recreation, a position he absolutely loved. He retired from the State in 1992.

A true man of the mountains, Ed had a passion for the Sierra’s, leading many backpack trips and building his own cabin with the help of his wife, Katherine. Later in life he got involved in working out at the gym, making countless friends over the years. He never knew a stranger and knew everyone by name. He was a philosopher at heart and a consummate storyteller, often setting his thoughts to poetry. He genuinely loved people and lived what he believed; “It’s another beautiful day.”

Ed was laid to rest November 28, 2015 at Buena Vista Cemetery in Murphys, California. A Celebration of the Fulfillment of Life will take place Saturday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Sungrove Church in Elk Grove, California.