A nearly 20-year employee with Coastal International Orlando, Erik “Rik” Williams sadly passed away from cancer on Aug. 26.
Williams became a recipient of the 2014 Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic (RSMGC), and a tribute is planned to honor him at the upcoming event in October. To find out about Williams and other RSMGC recipients, visit 2014 Recipients.
Williams at age 43 was one of Coastal’s youngest managers, with his most recent position as Orlando operations manager.
“He was a big Star Wars fan. Everyone in the company wishes the force would have been with him a little longer,” stated Michael B. Boone, director of International Business, Coastal International.
From the amazing work ethic he demonstrated during his 17 and a half years with the installation and dismantle services company, there was never a doubt he could handle any task thrown at him. This is something Boone saw firsthand.
“He was pretty much like all of us — working seven days a week. In his early days, I worked on the floor with him. He was a good quality carpenter, fit right in and he picked up the business quickly,” Boone explained. “He was a great guy and very personable. Clients thought highly of him. It’s a shock to see someone so young leave us so early.”
After being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Boone noted that Williams’ positive and upbeat attitude never left him. Wanting to help, Boone suggested Williams become a recipient of the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic (RSMGC), a charity supporting tradeshow industry families challenged by illness or tragedy.
“He had the best attitude. [Williams said] ‘This is what I got .This is how I will beat it.’ I talked to him a few weeks ago about Randy Smith. He was still staying positive. He certainly didn’t want to be a recipient or want anyone to feel sorry for him,” he said.
In happier times, Williams was an avid hockey player.
“He played in a hockey league in Orlando. That was his passion,” added Boone.
Williams is survived by his mother, Helen, and his fiancée, who he planned to marry next year. To celebrate the life of Williams, many Coastal employees are gathering for his funeral on Aug. 29 from 5-8 p.m. in Orlando.
Funeral information:
Family Funeral Care
13001 S. John Young Parkway
Orlando, FL 32837
404-812-4200
Helen Williams asked that in lieu of flowers that donations in her son’s memory be made to one of the three charities dear to Rik Williams’ heart.
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org
Pet Alliance of Orlando
http://petallianceorlando.org
Wounded Warriors
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
