Michael Charles Williams, 83, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, died after a battle with the novel coronavirus on January 2, 2021.

Michael graduated with Chemical Engineering degrees (B.Sc, M.S., and Ph.D. with a minor in Physical Chemistry) from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He became a highly respected and world-renowned Professor and researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Alberta, Edmonton, in rheology and polymers. In 1988, Michael received the Distinguished Teaching Award from Berkeley. He also received the Stanley Mason Award in 2000.

He was a member of numerous professional societies and institutes and published more than 170 research papers in his study field. For several years, Michael lectured in many places worldwide, including Moscow, China, Korea, and Argentina. He was a visiting summer professor at Kasetsart University and Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. He will continue to have an ongoing impact through the legions of students he mentored, colleagues collaborated with, and the institutions he influenced. He was dedicated to his more than 60 Masters and Ph.D. students and his discipline of Chemical Engineering.

Michael was an avid international traveler and someone who loved life.  He was also a big sports fan, having played baseball and softball for many years, with football being his favorite sport. His favorite teams included the Cal Bears (UC Berkeley), Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers.

Michael is survived by his dear friend Monica Molina, his four children, David Williams (Margaret), Elizabeth Hughes (Kelly), Marie Williams, and Stephen Williams (Terry), and his former wife, Judith Zimmerman Williams. Grandchildren include Payson Williams, Chase Williams, Sierra Williams, Ashley Littman (Michael Littman), and great-grandchildren Gavin and Makayla Littman.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 11, 1937, Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Orla and James Williams, and his younger brother, Brian Lawrence Williams.

Scheduled on Sunday, January 24, is a virtual celebration of his life at 12:30 pm PST (1:30 PM MST/3:30 PM EST). Please click here to RSVP and receive details on how to join us. 

Donations in Michael's name may be made to:

UC Berkeley Chemical Engineering Department – Ph.D. Student support (fund link will be posted around January 15th)

Edmonton Symphony Orchestra – (fund link will be posted around January 15th)