Brent Williams ’96

Brent (“B-Dub,” “Brentley”) Williams, 43, died unexpectedly and peacefully at his home early on the morning of Wednesday, November 8, 2017, in Arlington, MA. Born on January 4, 1974, he grew up in Fruitport, MI, and was a graduate of Fruitport High School. Brent earned a BS in Chemistry and Biology at Hope College in Holland, MI, where he was a member of the Arcadian Fraternity. He later graduated with an MBA in Engineering Management at Tufts University in Medford, MA, after which he set out to become “the smartest man in the world.” Brent is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Joy Fisher Williams, and his two greatest accomplishments, sons Fisher Eric and Ruben Thomas. Additionally, he is survived by parents Lana and Steve Williams and grandparents Joyce and Larry Williams, all of Sun City, AZ. Brent was preceded in death by his younger brother, Eric Jay Williams; grandparents Leona and Ruben Krentz; and Aunt Barbara Franklin. He is also survived by his parents-in-law, Kathy and David Fisher of Fruitport, MI; his brother-in-law, Jeff Fisher (children Isabel, Ellie, and Gavin) of Fruitport, MI; his sister-in-law, Jani and husband Dan Wilkens (children Anika and Eli) of Weldon Spring, MO. Lastly, he is survived by beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues. Brent was employed by Northrop Grumman Corporation for 17 years, where he was a mission planning manager for NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory (officially affording him the designation of “rocket scientist”). Previously, he was a chemist at W.R. Grace. He enjoyed riding his Harley, and he was lover of all foods, scotch whiskey, and PBR. Brent also had a keen interest in DIY projects, firearms, and video games. Later in life, his passions included playing hockey and coaching his sons’ Arlington sports teams. Brent attended Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA, and was a member of the Belmont Life Community. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and friend. Brent did not live an average life; he was a Renaissance Man and self-proclaimed “Dura-Brent,” entertaining as well as challenging others with his good humor and knowledge of a range of topics. He will be sorely missed. Memorial Service Information Visitation: 7-9pm, Sunday, November 12, at Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Rd in Lexington. Memorial Service: 3-4pm, Monday, November 13, at Grace Chapel. Scholarship Fund In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Brent Williams Youth Scholarship Fund. To donate securely online, please visit http://arlingtonice.com/#501474. Alternatively, you may send a check payable to Arlington Hockey Club – Brent Williams Youth Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 5, Arlington, MA 02476.

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