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Saturday, April 7, 2007

Al McWilliams - Remembrances and Expressions of Sympathy


Mayor Al McWilliams and his wife, Darlene,
at the dedication of the Veterans Memorial at City Hall

We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Mayor Albert T. McWilliams, 'Al' to all of us.

Plainfield Today provides this page as an opportunity to express your remembrances, celebrations of his contributions, and expressions of sympathy. Please use the COMMENTS option at the bottom of this post -- and please sign your name. I will post the comments as they are received. Thank you, Dan.



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56 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was shocked to learn of the death of Al McWilliams. He will be a great loss to the city of Plainfield. I remember Al as being warm and approachable in the office of Mayor. My sympathies to all his family for their loss.
Roberta Smith, Plainfield resident

Anonymous said...

You can see Bernice Paglia's Plainfield Plaintalker entry at --
http://plaintalker.blogspot.com/2007/04/mayor-albert-t-mcwilliams-passes.html

Anonymous said...

You can views condolences from the Crescent Area Neighborhood Association here --
http://crescent-times.blogspot.com/2007/04/our-condolences.html

Anonymous said...

My thanks to all for their expressions of support and sympathy. Al was not only a true friend to me, but as good a friend as Plainfield is likely ever to have. I will be assessing his contributions in Plainfield Today. Stay tuned. -- Dan

Hilary said...

Al was always a true gentleman. He showed equal dignity and grace in victory and defeat. He will be greatly missed.

Anonymous said...

Mayor McWilliams or Al as he liked to be called was a man among men and I will miss him. He cared about this City and the people who live here. He was a mentor to many and shared with them his quite strength.

My deepest sympathy to the family and know that you are in my prayers.

Vickey Sheppard

Anonymous said...

To Mrs. Darlene McWilliams and the Family:
May you find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish always, and strength in the companionship of those who share your loss.

Jadwiga M. Warwas

Anonymous said...

My husband, Cory, and I were among the first to ask Al to run for office. We were frustrated by his inability to get the city council to adopt the recommendations of the Plainfield Business Development Corporation, which he chaired. We encouraged him to run for office so he would have a positive vote on these issues. Thank God he did. He was a great mayor and a class act. I love him like a brother and will miss him always. Lois Mattson

Anonymous said...

We were deeply saddened to hear about the Mayor and would like to post our condolences.

Former Plainfield Mayor Al McWilliams was a man who cared much more about the people of Plainfield than about politics. He was a man with vision and hope for the City of Plainfield, and he worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. Plainfield's renaissance is due in large part to his efforts.

On behalf of myself and the Union County Republican Committee, we offer our prayers and condolences to the McWilliams family.

Anonymous said...

Dan, please express Santa and my condolences to the McWilliams family, and the entire community.

Norton & Santa Bonaparte

(Norton Bonaparte was City Administrator during Mayor McWillliams' second term.)

Jo-Ann Sloane said...

I was blessed to be the treasurer for Mayor McWilliams during his campaign. He was honest, sincere and loved the city of Plainfield. I was most impressed by his love for God, Darlene and his children. He was indeed a "class act", "unbought and unbossed". I will miss him.

JoJo

Anonymous said...

Al was a good man. Our prayers and condolences go to the family.

Richard Goldenberg and Roseann Galazin

Siddeeq said...

Our prayers and condolences to Darline McWilliams and her family. May G'd grant Al forgiveness and grant him the Paradise in the Hereafter.

Siddeeq & Faheemah El-Amin

BJ Fleming said...

Mayor McWilliams laid the ground work for many progressive programs in Plainfield. He had the courage to appoint the first minority police and fire chiefs in the City. Many may disagree with that decision, but I believe he did what he felt was in the best interest of Plainfield despite the pressure of such a decision. He will be missed. My deepest sorrows and condolences are extended to the family.

Respectfully,

Broderick J. Fleming

Anonymous said...

Al will forever be remembered as a man of courage and conviction. A kind and thoughtful man, he did not let political labels define him or akter his determination. Even in the face for cruel and unwarrented rebukes for staying the course of his personal convictions, his quiet and modest strength guided his course. His vision was for Plainfield, not personal agrandisement, as is the case of so many others. His legacy will live in each one of us for whom he made Plainfield a better place to live and raise our families. He will be missed.

Anonymous said...

Former Plainfield Mayor Al McWilliams was a man who cared much more about the people of Plainfield than about politics. He was a man with vision and hope for the City of Plainfield, and he worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. Plainfield's renaissance is due in large part to his efforts.

On behalf of myself and the Union County Republican Committee, we offer our prayers and condolences to the McWilliams family.


Philip J. Morin III

Donna Albanese said...

The Albanese Family sends its deepest sympathy to Darlene and the children. Al McWilliams will be remembered as a man of integrity with a sincere commitment to the City of Plainfield. Al is credited with the revitalization of South Avenue. It was under his leadersip that the steetscape project which laid dormant for seven years got built. Al will be missed.

Anonymous said...

Al McWilliams was always approachable, kind, and willing to listen to all of Plainfield's residents.

He was a great family man with a lovely family.

He was the new diamond in Plainfield's crown.

He will be missed.

John De Marco

Anonymous said...

It was a privilege to know and work with Al McWilliams. We will always remember him as an intelligent man with a wonderful sense of humor, who cared deeply about the City and good government. Our thanks to the McWilliams family for so freely sharing Al's time with all of us for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

Mary Burgwinkle and Greg Haworth

Anonymous said...

Al was a leader and the right person at the right time for the City of Plainfield. He inspired people to want to help bring about improvements in the City. Al improved the financial status of the City, implemented infrastructure improvements and started the City on the pathway to economic revitalization.

We offer our condolences to Darlene and the family for the loss of a great man.

Ron and Andrea West

Anonymous said...

We are very sad to hear of Al's passing. Our condolences and sympathy to Darlene and the kids. we considered him a friend.

Sincerely, Debbie and Lamar

Jean Mattson said...

"Al" Mcwilliams passing is a tragedy for his family, his many friends and all citizens who love Plainfield as he did.
His first run for office was my initiation into local politics and I kon't know of anyone else who could have inspired me to walk from one end of the second ward to the other campaigning for him.
I have lost a wonderful friend and the city has lost a great leader.
Jean M. Mattson, Former member and secretary of the Democratic Committee.

Anonymous said...

Darlene McWilliams and Family,

May you all take this time to reflect on all the wonderful memories of this good man. Al will will be missed immensely. I am honored to have been a part of a working team that brought the City of Plainfield forward. May the Lord bless and be with you in your time of need.

Cynthia Blake

Anonymous said...

Newton-Delgado Gomez Family,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Darlene and the children. Mark and I knew we met a gem when we met Al & Darlene. His personality personified a real person politician. This city was was at a loss in 2006 and now we are saddened by Al's passing in 2007. This should be a time a remembrance and reflection on everyone in the city of Plainfield.

Darlene and family we are here for whatever you need of us as we expected the same of Al.

We love you,

Anonymous said...

Al was able, as few public figures are, to bridge the gap between the public and the private person. There was no phoniness about him, nothing to hide. What you saw - the caring, committed, intelligent person - was what you got. I think that is why his sudden passing feels like a profoundly personal loss for many of us, as well as a loss for the public welfare of Plainfield. May we all come together to grieve for the loss of a great man.
-Vicky Griswold

Anonymous said...

We can't believe that we won't see Mayor AL riding his bike down the 1000 block of Field Avenue and just stopping to chat and say "Hello" with his warm smile!

Darlene, know that you and your loved ones are in our prayers.

Al & Rita Goldstein

Anonymous said...

Al McWilliams spearheaded a new vision and a new day for the City of Plainfield. He lead the way for many municipal improvements including redevelopment of the Park Madison and Teppers sites, construction of the Downtown and South Ave Streetscapes, reconstruction of the North Ave Industrial Corridor Road and Storm Sewer, implementation of a comprehensive Road Reconstruction program, expansion of the Urban Enterprise Zone, establishment of a Special Improvement District for Downtown and South Ave businesses, creation of a Plainfield branch of the Kean University Small Business Development Center, investigation and remediation of contaminated city-owned property preparing it for development, design of the 4-mile Green Brook Walkway, preparation of multiple strategic redevelopment plans, etc. My regret is that he would have had an even greater legacy if other policymakers has shared his vision rather than thwarting it.

Pat Ballard Fox

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathy to the family and know that you are in our prayers.
Mayor McWilliams always keep Plainfield first, he was a man who cared about the people of Plainfield and his vision for Plainfield was to bring back Pride to the Queen City. We will miss him, however, we will continue to keep his dream alive for a better and safer Plainfield ..

Lenny & Roxanne Cathcart

Anonymous said...

Al was one of the best. He loved and was a blessing to the city of Plainfield. I'm honored to have had the pleasure of really getting to know him. My heart heart felt condolence goes out to the his family. We all loved him but GOD loved him best.

Bridget Rivers

Anonymous said...

I never knew the Mayor, but I loved what he did for the City, I knew that he was the architect of Plainfield's revitalization. I arrived in the town during the elections and if he was able to run again I would certainly have voted for him. My condolences to his family and loved ones during this trying time. Take comfort in the legacy that he left and the memories that you have of him.

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathies to the McWilliams family and to you, Dan, and all others who knew the former mayor as a colleague and friend. Al was an engaging and bright man who obviously cared deeply about Plainfield. Even subtracting his public work to improve his community, his death is a tragic loss to those who loved him. My sincerest condolences and best wishes.

Anonymous said...

"I was not a fortune as most of Al's friends and supporters. I knew him only a brief moment in time. Two years at most, but during that time, I came to know a man highly devoted to his loving family, loyal to his friends and his unwavering commitment to do what was right for the residents of Plainfield. As Mayor or citizen, it doesn't matter, his conviction towards honesty and integrity was offered freely at the highest level and will surly be missed by all. It is truly unfortunate that such a loss must occur for some to realize the sacrifices he made for the benefit of so many. Al, you blessed my life by reaffirming my belief that politicians will come and go, but a Statesman such as yourself will live on forever."

Roger K. Staib

Anonymous said...

I will greatly miss the late great Honorable Al McWilliams. We personally spoke a least 3 or more times a week. When I was elected by the PEOPLE to represent them as 4th Ward councilperson, I was embraced by Al with a plan to redevelop the Ward's abandoned houses and make an effort to make the 4th Ward a better place to live. Al left a legacy behind, and I can't say it enough that he will be missed. Darlene, if I can be of any assistance please feel free to contact me. Al will always have a special place in my heart.

Former 4th Ward Councilwoman Joanne Hollis

Anonymous said...

Al McWilliams leaves a legacy of service to family and community. Too often we look to the entertainment or sports industries for examples of role models. For the children and families of Plainfield, Al McWilliams served as an accessible role model. Al was an exemplary family man who worked hard in corporate and civic environments to provide images of a successful African American male. Al's stellar career in the legal profession and performance in the corporate setting earned him recognition and an impressive string of promotions. As a civic leader he excelled with the ability to be "hard" on issues and "soft" on people. He brought a wealth of knowledge to government which resulted in an era of growth and development after several decades of decline. Al restored a professional approach to municipal government and established relationship with county and state governments that facilitated several economic development projects.

I had the good fortune of working with Al during my 71/2 year tenure as Superintendent of Schools. During that time Mr. McWilliams' chief priority was to improve educational opportunities and outcomes of Plainfield's children. He was involved as a parent and public official and demonstrated a keen interest in reform efforts that were implemented during this area. Al was clear about his aim to hold me and others accountable for performance and was steadfast in his support for education. I have many fond memories of Al showing up for parent meetings, reading to children, critiquing the long range facilities plan, reaching out to the board of education to promote collaboration, and support the generation of resources necessary to operate the schools. He modeled the image of a steward of the common good and was inclusive in his efforts to engage all sectors of the Plainfield community. The McWilliams era of government was one of integrity, vision and creativity. Al McWilliams leaves a legacy of governing for others to emulate.

My sympathy is extended to Darlene and the wonderful McWilliams' children. Al loved is family and was proud of all their accomplishments. His legacy of service and commitment to equity and excellence will go on as the McWilliams’s children build on the contributions of their father. Al's leaves for the rest of us a recipe for how to make a community work to achieve a shared vision.

Rest in peace, Al. We all hope that the "work we have done will speak well" for us. Al, you have achieved this goal, for your work has been good and the service rendered abundant.

May God Bless and keep the McWilliams family during this difficult period.


Peace,
Larry Leverett

Anonymous said...

I was very fortunate to know Al from almost the moment he moved to Plainfield. Over the last twenty years it was a pleasure to serve with Al on the (PBDC) Plainfield Business Development Corporation, July 4th Celebration and numerous other civic and communitywide programs. Al lived his vision for the City of Plainfield each and every day for the last twenty years. Al was concerned for all citizens in every nieghborhood.

Darlene and all of the McWilliams children rest assured that today Al
is in the only nieghborhood that matters....The Kingdom of God.

Love,

Martin,Stephanie and the entire Cox Family



Love

Anonymous said...

Al McWilliams leaves a legacy of service to family and community. Too often we look to the entertainment or sports industries for examples of role models. For the children and families of Plainfield, Al McWilliams served as an accessible role model. Al was an exemplary family man who worked hard in corporate and civic environments to provide images of a successful African American male.

Al's stellar career in the legal profession and performance in the corporate setting earned him recognition and an impressive string of promotions. As a civic leader he excelled with the ability to be "hard" on issues and "soft" on people. He brought a wealth of knowledge to government which resulted in an era of growth and development after several decades of decline. Al restored a professional approach to municipal government and established relationship with county and state governments that facilitated several economic development projects.

I had the good fortune of working with Al during my 71/2 year tenure as Superintendent of Schools. During that time Mr. McWilliams' chief priority was to improve educational opportunities and outcomes of Plainfield's children. He was involved as a parent and public official and demonstrated a keen interest in reform efforts that were implemented during this era. Al was clear about his aim to hold me and others accountable for performance and was steadfast in his support for education. I have many fond memories of Al showing up for parent meetings, reading to children, critiquing the long range facilities plan, reaching out to the board of education to promote collaboration, and support the generation of resources necessary to operate the schools. He modeled the image of a steward of the common good and was inclusive in his efforts to engage all sectors of the Plainfield community. The McWilliams era of government was one of integrity, vision and creativity. Al McWilliams leaves a legacy of governing for others to emulate.

My sympathy is extended to Darlene and the wonderful McWilliams children. Al loved his family and was proud of all their accomplishments. His legacy of service and commitment to equity and excellence will go on as the McWilliams children build on the contributions of their father. Al's legacy leaves for the rest of us a recipe for how to make a community work to achieve a shared vision.

Rest in peace, Al. We all hope that the "work we have done will speak well" for us. Al, you have achieved this goal, for your work has been good and the service rendered abundant.

May God Bless and keep the McWilliams family during this difficult period.


Peace,
Larry Leverett

Anonymous said...

Libby and Peter Price...
We are profundly saddened by the loss of Al. He was a incredible man and a wonderful human being. He spread a wide net in 53 years filling it with a great family, admiring friends, colleagues and grateful citizens. His loss is one that truly makes you pause and realize how significant one man's contributions can make in many lives. We feel honored to have known Al and to have him for a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to Darlene and the entire McWilliam's family.

Anonymous said...

My family I extend our deepest sympathies and our prayers to you and your family. I came to know your husband briefly while he worked assiduously to provide the seniors of Plainfield, not just a new building, but a respite; a place where the mind and body could be at once rejunvenated and soothed; a warm, embracing and peaceful environment. So, with his prompting I designed gardens and benches and fountains. I trusted his word and admired his integrity; his genuine desire not just to do something for the seniors but to do the right thing. Plainfield has lost one of its best citizens. May you find some comfort in knowing that we are praying for you in your time of sorrow.

Reginald L. Thomas, AIA

Anonymous said...

There are very few times in your life that you meet a person who inspires you on so many levels.
First, Al was a deeply spirtual person, How do I know this? I witnessed him in some very tough situations as a politician that would test even the strongest of characters yet he never compromised his integrity, never lost his cool or determination to stay focused on doing what was right and honorable for the people he served.
When he lost the election he never was bitter. He had so many reasons to be bitter against the party bosses and the political machine who undermined him but he knew that he was not on that level. Al was truly on a higher level.
Al was a great husband, a kind and loving father. a warm neighbor and a dear friend.
Plainfield has lost a champion.
Plainfield has lost an honest, independent, talented politician.

Chris, John, Juliana and I have lost a dear and devoted friend.

Anonymous said...

Al McWilliams brought excellence to City Hall. We saw young, talented professionals coming on board as support staff and Council members. The "new Democrats" changed the direction of Plainfield. The Machine defeated him - but only by a relatively few votes - and as a WRITE-IN candidate with a name that's not even the easiest to spell! That should tell everyone the high regard Plainfield had for this man. His untimely death is a serious blow to Plainfield's aspirations. I look at the years of his leadership as a ray of sunshine, a golden age, in decades of otherwise political darkness. I can only hope and pray that we may again receive another leader of his calibur in the decades ahead.

The Rev. Charles L. Hale, Jr.

Anonymous said...

Newspapers and people say that Al lost the last election. He actually did not win the "office," but if the analysis was done by the amount of keys punched in to write-in "Al McWilliams" - well, you do the math - an unprecedented effort.

Al, you inspired a City by your vision and humility and grace under fire, and again thanks for the memories and most importantly thanks for being a statesman and not a politician. Above all, thank you, the McWilliams Family, for lending us Al.

Sincerely,

Nancy A. Piwowar

Anonymous said...

The first time I met Mayor Al McWilliams he was campaigning on Front Street on a Sunday and I was having a BBQ. We invited him over, he introduced himself and we were hooked. This tall friendly man with a great smile had our vote. After that I would occasionally see him downtown on his bike accompanied by one of his children. He would always flash a smile and wave a hello. It made me proud to see my Mayor downtown with the rest of the people of the community. I never regretted my decision to vote for him and I even helped out on the next campaign.

My sympathy and prayers go out to Mrs. McWilliams and children for their loss and ours.

Dagmaris Rosas

Anonymous said...

The Friends of Sleepy Hollow were shocked and saddened to learn about the passing of our former Mayor Al McWilliams. Our most sincere condolences to the family and to the all the citizens of Plainfield whose lives he touched. Thank You Al for being a fine human being and citizen of Plainfield.
Our prayers are with Mrs. McWilliams and their children.

Respectfully,
The Friends of Sleepy Hollow

Anonymous said...

Plainfield has lost a son and I am deeply saddened by Al's passing. I remember Al as a warm, gentle, yet focused individual. Wendy and I were proud to have Al preside over our wedding ceremony in 2002. Al's legacy will be one of getting the city working again, and giving its residents a hope and a belief for a better Plainfield, tempered by realism, that it is a gradual process. Today, most of the work Al started continues as we continue to work for a better Plainfield. Al, we will miss you, but I personally will never forget you.

Rashid Burney

Beulah Womack said...

My sympathies to Al's family.
I will always remember Al as a friend and a dedicated Mayor. He seldom missed a meeting of the Rushmore Block Association in the 4th ward. You would often see him riding his bike in the area just checking things out. I remember how he quickly responded when a senoir citizen on Rushmore Avenue called him because someone had shot into her house. Al personally checked it out. He really cared about all of Plainfield..

Beulah Womack; Former resident of Plainfield

Anonymous said...

Truly it is a sad time for family and friends of Al McWilliams. My sympathies and condolences go out yo Darlene, the children and the McWilliams family. Since last week, my thoughts have almost constantly been of Al.

At first, I was, like so many others, I'm sure, saddened to tears. However, as the days passed my thoughts of Al turned from sadness to thankfulness. I began to realize how blessed I and the Plainfield community are to have had Al McWilliams with us these past twenty years. Actually, not just with us but serving us these past years.

I first met the visionary Al at the Plainfield Public Library in 1995. We both were there attending a meeting which had to do with the state of affairs in our city and in our public schools. After the meeting people were milling about and buzzing about what could be done to help Plainfield. Al came up to me, introduced himself and we talked about 'doing something.' I had already decided to volunteer with the TASK FORCE, New Directions
with Dr. Larry Leaverett, Superintendent of Plainfield Public Schools. I remember Al, full of fervor and desire to help, talking excitedly about knocking on every door in Plainfield to talk to people. I think he did. He won a seat on the City Council. I'm thankful for that!

Al was going to help people help themselves to improve their quality of life, to help bring Plainfield to the point where we would all be proud to live here. I think of how he made it possible for all of us to participate in the development of the master plan. The entire adult population had the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas on what we wanted for Plainfield. I'm thankful for that!

I think of the time when Al as Mayor, Larry Leaverett as Superintendent and myself as President of the Board of Education worked together to obtain a Smart Growth Grant. We received that grant and used it to spur thousands of Plainfield citizens to work together to plan and design new elementary schools and neighborhoods and a transit village involving a new middle school and revitalized neighborhood for the third ward. I'm thankful for that!

I think of Al's recognition of the importance of Plainfield's housing stock, of his encouragement of everyone, including our school children to 'clean up-fix-up' our City. Our property values increased. Our City was named "City of the Year" in New Jersey magazine.
Al jump-started positive change for Plainfield. The quality of life has been enhanced for us all. I'm thankful for that!

When Al asked me to run for a committee seat for my district, I was hesitant. I told him that I was not a politician He answered that he wasn't either. He said that we are all just folks trying to help each other improve Plainfield. Al never became a 'professional politician.' I'm thankful for that!

Thank you Al for all you gave us. Thank you for all of your passion, time, energy and caring that you gave to us in the name of helping our City. Darlene and the children shared you with us. I'm thankful for that!

Inez

Dr. Inez P. Durham

Anonymous said...

Plainfield has lost a son and I am deeply saddened by Al's passing. I remember Al as a warm, gentle, yet focused individual. Wendy and I were proud to have Al preside over our wedding ceremony in 2002. Al's legacy will be one of getting the city working again, and giving its residents a hope and a belief for a better Plainfield, tempered by realism, that it is a gradual process. Today, most of the work Al started continues as we continue to work for a better Plainfield. Al, we will miss you, but I personally will never forget you.

Rashid Burney

Anonymous said...

I cried over Nancy's letter. Many people were shocked at Al's demise. Some haven't had the pleasure of knowing Darlene and children..
They are all so wonderful.
I'm reminded of when Larry Scheckner of Larry's Deli passed away too young, Larry's legacy has lived on in the institution !!
So will "AL" McWilliams' legacy live on!
This is Plainfield's exciting history! Let's remember, the people who came before and remember what we inherited!

Rita and Al Goldstein

Anonymous said...

He will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.

I am sorry for the loss to the McWilliams family and to Plainfield.

Jadwiga M. Warwas, M.D.

Anonymous said...

It was an honor having known Mr. McWilliams! His positive disposition and his faith was admirable! His love for his family and others around him was something to behold. In this time of loss I pray that his family will continue to draw strength from God in whom he believed. May they dwell on the great times they had together!

Marva and Kimberly R.

Anonymous said...

My memories of Al run through my mind like snapshots, capturing brief moments in time, but adding up to a full and complete representation of who he was and the hope and enthusiasm he inspired in each of us. I will miss running into him around the City and at social events where I could always expect to share a wisecrack and a smile with him.

The pride he took in Plainfield and his aspirations for her future greatness were contagious, inspiring us all to believe in the things he envisioned. ( He even" inspired" me to put up my very first yard sign ever, in support of his campaign for Mayor!) One of my favorite "snapshots" is the photo of Al on the front page of the Sunday, March 24, 2002 Courier News, with arms folded and the Park-Madison and Teppers sites in the background. Standing as the proud "superman" that gave me hope for the City and the confidence that together under his leadership we would easily achieve our goals. My heart is heavy that he is gone so soon.

My heartfelt condolences to Darlene, Annie, Allison, Albert III, Adam, Avery and the rest of the family. You are all in my heart and prayers, as well as the hearts and prayers of many. May God give you the strength and guidance to help comfort you in this time of your great loss.

Pat Fleming

Anonymous said...

Doug Brown and I were deeply saddened to hear of Al's passing. It was indeed an honor for us to work with him along with many, many others to develop a vision and strategic plan for the City of Plainfield and even more so to see so much of it come to fruition through his leadership. Our sympathy to his family and friends.

Bill Granda
Paradigm Associates LLC

Anonymous said...

It is almost two weeks since Al McWilliams passed away and yet it is still the subject that is top of mind when speaking to those who knew him.
Darlene and kids, you should know that I had so many phone calls from people who attended the funeral and were overwhelmed with the beauty of that service.
There were so many lessons that one could learn from the ministers and the family and friends who spoke. First, love is the essence of life. Character is the fundamental ingredient for a life well-lived. Leadership is a gift and a responsibility of those who possess the gift. Friendship, laughter, memories are the joy of our lives. During that service you could see that there is so much more that unites us than divides us. We will miss Al as a catalyst of all these lessons to be learned.

Anonymous said...

Mr. McWilliams was my best friends father. I never really saw him much but when i did see him, there was always a smile on his face. He will be forever missed by his followers,family and family friends.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I too have Kidney Cancer & also Bladder Cancer but have been more fortunate than Albert McWilliams - as I presented with the symptoms in November 1998, so for some it is survivable.

For more details of Kidney Cancer see www.KidneyCancerResource.com.

Perhaps someone would be so kind as to draw the attention of Darlene and their children to the IN MEMORIAM at:
http://www.kidneycancerresource.com/index.php/McWILLIAMS%2C_Albert_T.#Albert_T._McWILLIAMS

I thank you and would ask that you take a moment to consider this silent killer and aim anyone you know who might be helped to the warm hands that will welcome them on our web site.

Regards,
Greg L-W. Britain.

Ramdas Iyer said...

I was a colleague of Al at Engelhard Corporation, where he was a counsel in the Legal Department. Just a year before his demise, Al and I visited India on company business and had some nice moments together. He was a fine man and a good friend.
RIP...a bit late since I only heard about his passing away recently.

Ramdas Iyer
Randolph, NJ