PORTLAND, OREGON — Steven Roger Williams, 44, an avid sailor of Maine waters in his youth and a graduate of Yarmouth High School and the University of Southern Maine, died of natural causes Nov. 6 at his Oregon home.

Williams was born April 17, 1970, in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and spent much of his childhood in Maine. He graduated from Yarmouth High in 1988 and earned a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from USM in 1993.

As a boy, he learned to sail at the Portland Yacht Club in Falmouth, developing a love of the sport that would eventually make it his life’s work.

As a professional sailing instructor and coach, he shared his expertise in the U.S. Virgin Islands, California, Texas, Florida and other places. He coached competitive sailing teams at Reed College, Lewis & Clark College and Portland (Oregon) State University, and held national certifications for instruction in both sailing and power-boating. Most recently, he taught youth sailing programs at Willamette Sailing Club in Oregon.

Williams is predeceased by his father, David, and survived by his mother, Earlene, of Inverness, Florida; brother, Edward; sister, Kristen; brother-in-law, Alex; nephew, Ryan; niece, Elinore; and several other aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service was held Nov. 15 at the Willamette Sailing Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Williams’ name to the Oregon Youth Sailing Foundation, 4418 SE Henderson St., Portland, OR 97206.


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