In Memoriam: Mike Williams (1942-2010)

Mike Williams, National President of the Izaak Walton League of America, passed away in the early morning hours of March 2, 2010, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was champion to the very end, resolute in his passion to protect our wetlands, native prairies, and open spaces and in doing so echoed our mission statement "to strive for the purity of water."

He was a conservationist, a sportsman, a diplomat, a leader, and a friend. He impacted the life of every one who knew him and made the world a better place to live. Recalling our days of hunting or fishing when he would have the bigger prize, he would often say, "It's good to be the king." And so, I salute you, my friend. You were the king in so very many ways.

-- Jim Madsen