Brian E Williams

Brian Earl “Pat” Williams, owner of Reflective Comfort and long-time resident of Colorado Springs, CO, died unexpectedly on March 7, 2020, at the age of 79. He passed away due to complications arising from a scheduled open-heart surgery.

Brian, or Pat, as he was known to many family members, is survived by his children, Brian Williams, Rolland Williams, Gamble Williams, Shannon Williams, Burklin Williams, Clara Williams, Brianna Williams Fenton, and Sarah Zamorano; his step-children Jennifer Rusher, Katy Williams, Wesley Smith, and Clay Smith; his many grandchildren; and his siblings, Michael Williams, Bill Williams, Jeannette Chenault, Susan McGuigan, and Peggy Hess.

Brian was born in Wamego, KS, on June 8, 1940, to LeRoy Williams and Clara Gamble. As a youngster, Brian was a talented prankster, popular with his classmates, excelled in track and football, and began honing skills for his lifelong calling as an entrepreneur. He graduated from Rolla High School in 1958, and then joined the United States Army, where he served as a paratrooper (101st and 82nd Divisions) from 1958-1962, touring in Germany. Though he did not complete a college degree, during his tour he took correspondence courses in Russian and German through the University of Maryland. An outstanding marksman, Brian was also a member of the US Army European Rifle and Pistol Team. He continued learning German and practicing marksmanship throughout his life.

While stationed in Fort Campbell, Brian met Sandra Burklin, a student at George Peabody School for Teachers. They were married in 1962. Together, they had six children, Brian, Rolland MacArthur, Gamble, Shannon, Burklin, and Clara. The family lived on a farm just outside Nashville. In 1964, Brian began selling insurance; he was highly successful and owned his own agency in the Nashville region. At age 29, he received his black belt in isshin-ryu karate from the Nashville School of Karate, afterward teaching the discipline there as a co-owner of the school until 1974. On one occasion, he sparred with Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace, the future PKA world champion. In addition, Brian was steadily involved in local politics and often spoke and debated on the radio, something he continued to do throughout his life. He worked intermittently as a personal bodyguard to prominent persons within the Nashville area, and also dabbled in stand-up comedy.

Brian and Sandra divorced in 1979. From 1980-1984, he ran an insurance referral business.

In 1986, Brian married Claudia Smith (née Baldwin) and became stepfather to her four children, Jennifer, Kathryn, Wesley, and Clay. The couple moved to Colorado Springs in 1987. There, Brian began his own business, Reflective Comfort, which he cultivated successfully for over 30 years along the Front Range. In 1990 and 1992, Brian and Claudia had two daughters, Brianna and Sarah, with whom he enjoyed a close relationship. The couple were married 24 years before parting ways.

Brian was a devoted father and always fiercely protective of his family. He was a patriot; an active entrepreneur; an entertainer and relentless jokester, prankster and networker; and a loyal friend. By using encouragement and colorful humor, Brian sought to lift spirits through laughter. He inspired others to keep going. He helped his family, friends, and contacts whenever he could, was dependable, a hard worker, and a thoroughly resilient person. He believed fiercely in God and loved his country, not bothered by what others thought of him or his convictions. Brian was an unforgettable person – he will be profoundly missed by the many who knew him.