Peter Williams

Peter Williams: He took disease head-on, 'was what people should aspire to be' By M.L. ELRICK FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER Peter Williams didn't live a long life, but he made the most of the time he had. Shortly after graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in communication arts in 2003, Mr. Williams was diagnosed with Choroid Plexus Papilloma, which produced benign tumors in his brain stem. A month later, he had surgery. A few months after that, Mr. Williams moved to Vail, Colo., where he worked at the General Store and skied. After returning to Michigan, he began pursuing a master's degree in business administration at Wayne State University. His condition worsened, however, prompting more surgery and radiation. Nevertheless, Mr. Williams completed his studies and received his MBA in 2008. After working for about a year in commercial real estate, Mr. Williams was stricken again, undergoing surgery last summer that left him unable to walk. He died Sunday night at his parents' home in Grosse Pointe Farms with his mother, father and brother at his side. He was 28. "He was always hopeful that he would get better, until almost the end," said his mother, Shirley Williams. "He was a sweet man and a strong man, and he did what he had to do to fight his disease. And he never complained." A quiet man of character who enjoyed reading, golf and classic rock, Mr. Williams had a dry sense of humor that helped him keep friends laughing, even as he faced daunting challenges. Chris Frendo, a lifelong buddy, recalled a recent conversation in which he told Mr. Williams, who had become paralyzed, about playing pickup basketball. "I don't think I'll be able to make it," Mr. Williams said. "I saw him two days ago and he was still making us laugh," Frendo said. But Mr. Williams was no class clown. "When you met Pete, it just touched you," Frendo said. "He had such a warm heart. He was quiet, but when he had something to say, he would say it with meaning, with passion." He also was considerate. Frendo said going to the movies with Mr. Williams could get a tad complicated. "He thought he was inconveniencing us," Frendo said. "We were like, 'No, man, we're honored to be doing something with you!' "He was what people should aspire to be," Frendo said. "He was cool as a cucumber in a lot of difficult situations, and he held his head up high. And he cared about everyone." One time, while waiting outside a store for Frendo in a rough neighborhood, Mr. Williams' parents' car was stolen. Frendo said he was outraged, but Mr. Williams was reflective. "I'm not mad at them," Frendo quoted Mr. Williams as saying of the thieves. "I'm mad that they have to do stuff like this." In addition to his mother, survivors include his father, Thomas, and brother Thomas. Visitation is set for 2-8 p.m. today at the A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack, Grosse Pointe Woods. A funeral mass is to be held at noon Wednesday at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. Burial will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Beaumont Hospital Rose Cancer Center, (248) 551-8588.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe Woods

20705 Mack

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236