Architect Hansel Williams lives on through his work

IT is often said that the artist never really dies, he lives on through his work.

The same can be said about well known Ocho Rios businessman and architect Hansel Roosevelt Williams Jr.The artistic talent of Williams will live on in the many buildings he had designed and constructed; his love and compassion through the many children, family and friends he cared for in his short lifespan of 47 years.The large number of lives Williams had impacted was evident at the mass thanksgiving service held for him at the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Ocho Rios, St Ann on Saturday, June 22.Family, friends and members of the Ocho Rios business community were among a large number of persons who turned out to pay their last respects to Williams.Hansel, who was the father of three, died tragically on May 28.His son Nikolas was among those who shared fond memories of his hard-working father.He remembered his father as a family man who not only cared for his children but for his nieces, nephews and all the children he came in contact with.Young Williams said his father had a “keen eye for photography, which could be seen in photographs taken of his work.”Williams was also remembered for his interest in collecting stones and making jewellry from the stones he collected.Nikolas said his father had an insatiable appetite for knowledge. In fact he was remembered as one who celebrated the successes of his three children and his wife of 19 years.And although Williams is not around to see his children complete their education, or to see his young daughter who was successful in the GSAT exams recently, start high school, his brother Roger Williams gave the assurance that the family will embark on a journey to carry on the good work Williams started.Melessia Williams remembered her brother as a selfless individual who was always there for family.Best friend, Robert Watkis described his friend as irreplaceable.The humane qualities of Williams were recounted in several tributes offered.“He did not say much, but his contribution was well thought out, Captain Robert Hibbert of the Wolmers Lodge, of which Williams was a member, said.Williams was also remembered as one who, although often quiet, would give advice freely and frankly.He was often a deep thinker, Hibbert said.The astute businessman was also remembered for his love for music and tactical shooting.“My brother is one of those special agents or soldiers for God,” Roger Williams said.Williams, the first of five children, was born in St Ann where he started his early education. The aspiring architect was educated at York Castle High School before being transferred to the Cornwall College.He later went on to the Caribbean School of Architecture. With his talents, dreams and desire for growth he formed Cynergi Project Professionals.Williams is survived by wife Diana, children Nikolas, Kristopher and Aliyah, mother Evadney Williams, sisters Annette and Melessia, brothers Roger and Phillip and other relatives and friends.Among those who turned out for the thanksgiving mass on Saturday were Senator Robert Montague, Dane Marsh; Peter Fraser; Dr Linton Francis and wife; Richard Wayne Alberga Stephens; Kenroy Dixon and several members of the Ocho Rios business community which included the Goldsmiths, Pasmores, Beechams, Maffessantis, Chatanis, Chucks, Lyns, and Chins.His body was laid to rest at the Eltham Cemetery.Nikolas Williams remembers his father.Children, nieces and nephews sing in tribute to Williams.Family members join the rest of the congregation in standing during the thanksgiving mass for Williams. From left is mother of the deceased Evadney Williams, son Nikolas and wife Diana Williams.Nikolas Williams(right) leads other family members as they carry the casket with the body of his father from the church to the hearse.A teary eyed Melessia is comforted as she gave a remembrance of her brother

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Architect Hansel Williams lives on through his work