David Lee Williams

David Lee Williams, 79, of Canby, Oregon, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026. Born on May 27, 1947, in Portland, Oregon, to Laron and Catherine Williams, David was a loving husband, father, proud Vietnam veteran, and dedicated civil servant.

David grew up in Portland, graduating from John Marshall High School with the class of 1965. A veteran of the United States Army, he served in military intelligence during the Vietnam war. Following his military service, he dedicated 23 years to the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services as a wastewater treatment plant engineer. Known for his agile, versatile intellect, he solved complex technical challenges across diverse operational roles throughout his civil service career.

For the majority of adult life, David lived in Mulino, where he spent earlier years tending land and raising animals alongside his parents, who lived next door until their passing. After supporting his wife through college, he made the deliberate choice to step away from his civil service career when his daughters reached middle school, becoming their full-time primary caregiver and anchoring his daily life entirely around his household.

A lifelong autodidact with an insatiable curiosity, David had a passion for studying languages, reading, exploring music, and analyzing complex strategy video games. He found genuine enjoyment in life’s simple, unpretentious pleasures….from local buffets and fast-food runs to striking up conversations with mall kiosk workers during his walks.

David was a man of unmistakable character: spirited, temperamental, and armed with a razor-sharp, dry wit. He relished vigorous debate and intellectual friction, yet beneath his complex exterior was a father and husband who protected his family with fierce loyalty.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Laron and Catherine Williams. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

In David's memory, family and friends are also encouraged to enjoy a meal at a favorite local spot, listen to a song by Lucio Dalla, or strike up an unexpected conversation with a stranger.

A Visitation will be 5pm to 7pm, Thursday, October 8, 2026, followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7pm at Stehn Family Chapels Milwaukie Tribute Center, Milwaukie, OR. A Mass of Christian Burial followed by a Mercy Meal will be 11am, Friday, October 9, 2026 at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, 1804 SE 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97214. A Cemetery Service will Military Honors will be 10am, Monday, October 12, 2026, at Maplewood Pioneer Cemetery, 10095 S Cemetery Rd, Molalla, OR 97038.