Roderick David Williams

Williams, Roderick David “Dave”, 76 of Butte, Montana passed away unexpectedly June 30, 2025, while doing one of the many activities he enjoyed: riding his bike with his beloved dog, Jasper. Dave was born in Garden City, NY on March 2, 1949, the son of Carl H. Williams and Elizabeth (Beebe) Williams who predeceased him. Dave, named after his grandfather Roderick Beebe, grew up on the East Coast in Salisbury, CT. His father taught math and coached skiing, while his mother was the school librarian at Salisbury School. Dave graduated from Salisbury School in 1967 and furthered his education at Bates College, Lewiston, Maine where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology and was a member of the track team. He went on to earn his master’s degree in Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology from the University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, a state Dave fell in love with and never left. His impressive career spans over forty years working as a Geologist for the Bureau of Land Management specializing in Acid Rock Drainage: Predication and Characterization. As a boy Dave, along with his brothers, Peter and Douglas and his cousins, spent summers on Lac Choiseul, Quebec, Canada where his family co-owned and operated a boy’s wilderness canoe camp, Camp Kapitachouane whose goal was to lead boys through the Canadian wilderness teaching them the basics of canoeing and camping but more importantly the value of teamwork. His parents instilled in Dave a love and respect for nature and all that the outdoors has to offer. These early lessons led Dave to a career in Geology. Dave was such a generous man volunteering his time and donating money selflessly to numerous causes which he so passionately cared about. He served in various roles on several organizations, such as Board of Directors President of the Citizens Technical Environmental Committee (CTEC). Upon learning of Dave’s passing Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher said: “David was more than a dedicated public servant; he was a tireless advocate for environmental stewardship. His legacy will live on in the cleaner streams, the restored landscapes, and the empowered citizens of Butte-Silver Bow.” In 2021, Dave received the AIME Environmental Stewardship Distinguished Service Award. Dave was a proud Democrat and an enthusiastic climate activist who walked the walk. Recently Dave was thrilled to trade in his Tesla, treating himself to the purchase of a Rivian truck. As an avid outdoorsman Dave loved climbing, hiking, biking, skiing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Surviving Dave are his brothers Peter B. Williams and his wife, Nancy Saunders of Newmarket, NH and Douglas G. and Jessica Williams of Warren, VT, and their families, his companion, Ginnie Talley of Helena, MT, his former wife, Elizabeth “Susie” Williams, her daughter, Shelly Cleverly, husband, Sean and their daughters, Emily Schneiter and Allyson Abell who he thought the world of, and by his former wife, Karen Williams, of Bozeman, MT. He will be sorely missed by one and all including his nieces and nephews: Helena Bruno, Jesse Williams, Chase Williams, Briggs Williams, Erik Williams, Shannon Calabro, Alexe Conlin, and their families, cousins, neighbors, colleagues, and friends whose love and friendship he dearly cherished. Dave hardly ever missed family events on the East Coast such as milestone birthdays, graduations, weddings, and funerals and spent considerable time with the family and for that we are all so grateful. We will all miss his Sunday night FaceTime calls. The family would like to thank the first responders who assisted Dave and kept his dog safe until family members were able to arrive. Life is amazing and wonderful and full of adventures, Dave knew that. He lived life to the fullest every day and was known for his considerate nature and cheerful outlook. He was a gentle man with a good heart and a kind soul, and he will never be forgotten by his family, friends, and his faithful companions, Jasper and Toko. In remembering Dave raise a glass of Labatt Bleu, spend time outdoors enjoying nature, just as he always did. Take a walk (preferably with a dog), go for a bike ride, hike a mountain, go for a paddle. To quote Dave’s father’s motto: “Ski fast, stand up, have fun.” Dave will be cremated, and his ashes spread in the places he loved most: Butte, Montana, Salisbury, CT, and Lac Choiseul, Quebec, Canada. A Celebration of Life and reception will be held Saturday, August 23rd at 11 am at Homestake Lodge. To donate in memory of Dave, visit www.milehighnordic.org. Tu es mon compagnon de voyage! Je veux mourir dans mon canot Sur le tombeau, près du rivage, Vous renverserez mon canot When I must leave the great river O bury me close to its wave And let my canoe and my paddle Be the only mark over my grave ~~From 'Mon Canoe d'écorce' ('My Bark Canoe') translated. ~~by Frank Oliver Call

Tributes

Roderick David Williams

March 2, 1949 - June 30, 2025