CLEVELAND — Well-known HME advocate David Williams, 62, passed away July 6 at The Cleveland Clinic due to complications from multiple sclerosis. Diagnosed with what he called "the nasty disease" in 1975, Williams chronicled his experiences living with MS in his 2004 motivational biography "Battling the Beast Within."
After 10 years as chief technologist in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Marymount Hospital, in 1983 Williams was named the first director of the Ohio Governor's Office of Advocacy for People with Disabilities. In 1992, he became director of government relations at Invacare, a position he held until his retirement in 2004 as a commanding and passionate advocate for disability and HME issues.
Well-known in offices on Capitol Hill, Williams continued his advocacy efforts after his retirement, working as a consultant in legislative and regulatory affairs. In 2007, he was appointed to a seven-year term on the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.
Along the way, Williams competed in the Ohio Wheelchair Games from 1983 through 1994 in basketball, track and field, road racing and hand cycling. He also coached the Junior Buckeye Wheelers, which set a record that still stands as the seven-time winner of the coveted team championship at the National Junior Wheelchair Games.
In a foreword to Williams' book, Invacare Chairman Mal Mixon writes: "It was not until I met David Williams that I really developed a true understanding of courage and why a positive attitude is so important in our lives. If anyone ever had a right to complain it is David — and yet, he does not! For more than 25 years he has been engaged in a constant battle with progressive multiple sclerosis and its related assaults on his spinal cord. He has never let his significant disabilities stop him from effectively carrying out his family and professional responsibilities. In living his life, he is truly an inspiration to everyone who comes in contact with him."
Said Invacare colleague Cara Bachenheimer, "Dave was such a gigantic and wonderful life force. There are so many of us that will desperately miss him on so many levels, personal and professional."
In his own writings, Williams said, "I am just a regular guy making his way through life while dealing with some fairly significant challenges. People ask me what my secret to success is. The best answer I can give to that question can be found in the words of S.H. Payer, and I recommend them to you as a guide for how to live your life:
"Live each day to the fullest. Get the most from each hour, each day and each age of your life. Then you can look forward with confidence, and back without regrets."
Williams is survived by his wife Fran McCaffrey, adult sons Eric and Nathan Williams and grandson Jaxson David Williams.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Lorain County Community College Foundation, 1005 North Abbe Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035; or St. Joseph Catholic School, 200 St. Joseph Dr., Amherst, Ohio 44001.