Memorialize Former Representative Dan Williams

HOUSE MEMORIAL 26-1001

BY REPRESENTATIVE(S) Lukens and Soper, Bacon, Barron, Boesenecker, Bottoms, Brown, Caldwell, Camacho, Carter, Clifford, DeGraaf, Duran, Espenoza, Feret, Flanell, Froelich, Garcia, Garcia Sander, Gilchrist, Goldstein, Hamrick, Hartsook, Jackson, Johnson, Joseph, Keltie, Lieder, Lindsay, Mabrey, Marshall, Martinez, Mauro, McCormick, Nguyen, Paschal, Phillips, Richardson, Ricks, Rutinel, Rydin, Sirota, Slaugh, Smith; Stewart K., Stewart R., Story, Taggart, Titone, Valdez, Velasco, Weinberg, Willford, Winter T., Woodrow, Woog, Zokaie, McCluskie.

MEMORIALIZING WILLIAMS.

FORMER

REPRESENTATIVE

DAN

WHEREAS, Daniel ("Dan") Earl Williams, the former representative, departed this life on October 23, 2025, at the age of 78; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams was born on April 15, 1947, in Denver, Colorado, to Dale and Margaret Williams; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams began his education in Colorado's Eagle Valley, attended the University of Northern Colorado for a brief period, and later attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, in 1988 to refine his political instincts; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams began his career in agriculture as a partner with his father on the Williams Ranch in Edwards, Colorado, later purchasing the ranch from his father and operating it as a successful cattle and sheep operation; and

WHEREAS, Representative Williams was the father of two children, Jeff and Dana, who were raised on the family's ranch; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams was a member of the Eagle County Wool Growers Association, the Colorado Wool Growers Association, the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, and the Colorado Farm Bureau; and WHEREAS, Not only was Representative Williams a good steward of the land and the animals he raised, he was a man of incredible integrity · and demonstrated a keen knowledge of issues impacting Colorado ranchers and business owners. He believed in a life of public service and valued his family. Many called him a dear friend and confidant; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams was elected as Eagle County Commissioner in 1976 and served two four-year terms; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 1984 and served four two-year terms representing House District 56, including Routt, Moffat, Eagle, Jackson, and Grand counties; and WHEREAS, As a member of the Colorado House of Representatives, Representative Williams served as chair of the House Transportation and Energy Committee; chair of the House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee; vice chair of the House State Affairs Committee; chair of the Interim Legislative Committee on Water Quality and Water Resources; and chair of the Highway Legislative Review Committee; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams was also appointed to the State Board of Equalization and served on the Colorado Governor's AIDS Council; and WHEREAS, During his time in the legislature, Representative Williams supported the interests of many western slope communities, championing water and land use rights; oil and gas interests; and transportation issues; and

WHEREAS, Representative Williams was a member of the Roundup Riders of the Rockies and named 1985 Colt of the Year. The Town of Avon honored Representative Williams as a "Citizen of the Valley" with a bronze portrait, he served as a trustee on the board of the National Westem Stock Show Association, and, in 2019, he was inducted into the Colorado FFA Agricultural Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, After leaving the legislature, Representative Williams applied his political and legislative experience as a partner in a government relations consulting business from 1993 to 2019 with Stan Sours, Laura Locke, and his partner, Bob Simpson, representing the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, Colorado Wool Growers Association, Colorado Beer Distributors Association, Colorado Farm Credit, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Williams Energy Pipeline Midstream, Mile High Racing and Entertainment, and many other clients along the way; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams, whether as an elected official or lobbyist, was known by his colleagues and friends as a fierce advocate for Colorado's agriculture industry; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams was known to be fair and honest. He knew when to compromise and was recognized as an effective legislator and lobbyist by his constituents, clients, and colleagues; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams was a mentor to a number of individuals who have made their careers in politics, instilling in them the need to work honestly, maintain integrity, and always respect the institution of the General Assembly and the legislative process; and WHEREAS, At the time of his death, Representative Williams was living in Scottsdale, Arizona, enjoying a well-deserved retirement and his passions for travel and music; and WHEREAS, Representative Williams is survived by his partner, Bob Simpson; his two children, Jeff Williams and Dana Williams; his sister, Donna Parker; and his cousin, Sue Tolvo; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Seventy-.fzfth General Assembly of the State of Colorado, That, in the death of Representative Dan Williams, the people of the State of Colorado have lost a devoted public servant and an outstanding citizen, and that we, the members of the Seventy-fifth General Assembly, pay tribute to Dan Williams for years of dedicated public service and extend our deep and heartfelt sympathy to the members of the family. Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this Memorial be sent to Bob Simpson, Jeff Williams, and Dana Williams.

Julie McCluskie SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Vanessa Reilly CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES