Richard D. "Rick" Williams, 73, of the Brainerd Lakes Area, formerly of Pine Center and Garrison, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph's Medical Center with his soulmate and girlfriend, Gloria Nelson, by his side after 20 years of debilitating health conditions, including eight cancers, heart issues and a long list of other ailments.

Rick was born on January 27, 1953, in Brainerd, to Wayne and Lorraine (Young) Williams. He was raised in Pine Center and graduated from Onamia High School. He was employed at Onan Corporation in Minneapolis, MN, in the early 1970s. He also worked installing drywall in Minnesota and North Dakota. His greatest passion and expertise was becoming a highly skilled carpenter and contractor. In 1991, he established a partnership with his very special friend and mentor, Dick Borden, in the name of W.B. Builders. Rick's carpentry legacy was passed down to his son, Luke, who became his partner when Dick decided to retire, creating Rick and Luke Williams Construction, until his forced retirement in 2018 due to ongoing health issues.

Rick was a very smart and talented man whose perfection and dedication shown in every house, cabin, townhouse, miscellaneous structures and other creations that he built, including his own house that he lived in. He took great pride in doing his best to please the customer. He was also instrumental in building the slot machine stands for Grand Casino Mille Lacs when they opened.

Rick thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, being outdoors, watching YouTube videos on his iPad, watching Gunsmoke and other westerns. Rick had a way of lighting up any room. He had a gift for jokes, sarcasm, and storytelling…though you were never quite sure if what he was saying was the truth or just a well-crafted "fib." His one-liners, rhymes, and quick wit will be missed as much as the laughter and smiles they always brought. When he wasn't outside, he was recently in his shop forging crosses and other unique items—a new hobby that occasionally caused a few "sparks" he probably should have avoided. But known for his stubbornness, a few warning sparks never derailed Rick's plans. He also never needed much of an excuse to putz around with his beloved '69 Chevy truck, usually with a Michelob Golden Draft Light in hand.

His greatest joy was our Border Collie, Bailey. She brought so much love, laughter, and companionship into his life.

Rick is survived by his soulmate and girlfriend of 17.5 years, Gloria Nelson; son, Shay Kiloran-Williams; siblings, Swede Roscoe of Harding, Patsy (Rodney) Schmaltz of Garrison, and Doug Williams of Harding; his granddaughter, Addison; sister-in-law, Janet Roscoe, of Harding; many nieces and nephews; Gloria's family, countless friends, especially, Maynard Gangruth and John "Red" Tibbetts; neighbors; extended family, his loving and faithful cats, Dexter and Sassy; and the oxygen tubing and nasal cannulas that kept him alive for the past eight years but that he hated so profusely!

He was preceded in death by his sons, Wade and Luke; his parents; brothers, Jerry Roscoe and Donnie Williams; best friend, Dick; numerous special friends; relatives; his dog, Sage; and his loyal companion and emotional supporter, Bailey.

While there are so many people that will deeply miss him, we are all thankful and blessed for the extra 20 years that he has been able to spend with us and be a part of our lives. He has now been released from his constant pain and suffering and free from the burdens of life. He can now be at peace and breathe easier. Literally! And Rick—now that you're gone, don't worry about the tubing getting all tangled up anymore…we burned it!

Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength. – Theodore Roosevelt

A Reunion of families, friends, relatives, and neighbors, to honor his remarkable life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from NOON – 4:00 p.m., with a time of sharing at 1:30 p.m. at his home (13500 Maghan Road – Deerwood, MN 56444 - Just off County Road 18 about 5 miles East of the Green Lantern). Mark your calendars and pass the word!