The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF BARRY WILLIAMS
______
HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to observe and mourn the passing of Barry Williams, a local civic champion who dedicated his life to bringing people together and who tirelessly advocated for social justice, the middle class, and the everyday working man and woman. Sadly, on May 2nd of this year--Barry passed away at the age of 71 after a tough 17-year battle with Parkinson's disease. Barry's inspirational life, however, will never dissipate from our community's collective spirit as he treated everyone he encountered with love and humility, setting an immortalized example for us all to aspire to.
Born in in 1949 in York, Maine--Barry and his family relocated to Waterford, Connecticut where Barry grew up and acquired his love for the coastline. Barry would spend many hours of his life enjoying the beach, fishing, or sailing, and was invigorated when he caught a fish, which wasn't often. Barry was an avid reader and eventually made a career of his love for books by attaining a degree at the University of Connecticut in Library Science then even returning to work for his alma mater as an acquisitions librarian.
While working as a librarian, Barry was also an active member of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT local union and even worked his way up to become President of his local. Being elected to lead his union truly changed Barry and ignited a passion in him that he used to champion workers' rights throughout his life. While president of the union, Barry was admired for his ability to fight for his members but still maintain a loving and friendly personality and always face challenges with a positive attitude. Barry's accomplishments and dedication to his union gained him statewide notoriety and led to him being recruited as a Government Affairs Representative by Connecticut statewide AFT President George Springer. Hitting the ground running--
Barry made his mark and inspired all those around him with his willingness to put others before himself. Not only did Barry talk the talk but he was always out on the front lines with his brothers and sisters rallying for their right to equal opportunities and fairness in the workplace. Achieving milestone after milestone--Barry set himself apart as one of the top labor leaders in Connecticut and this led to his election in 1985 to represent all workers in the state as the Secretary Treasurer of the Connecticut AFL-CIO.
Now a true and tried advocate in the world of unions, Barry decided to go independent and start his own lobbying firm to represent unions and non-profits in 1987. With all the statewide connections he had developed in his decades of organizing and union work--Barry quickly gained traction as someone who could bring opposing sides to the table to talk, and he also became known for a little secret weapon in breaking the ice between opposing forces--his famous homemade bread. Barry was truly a master negotiator because he never lamented, and his genuine and happy nature rubbed off on all those around him which made coming to agreements easier for all parties. Barry continued a very successful lobbying career until later in life when he would receive a devastating diagnosis with Parkinson's disease which would lead to his retirement. Barry however as expected, did not let the disease damper his love for life and for bringing happiness to all those around him. Even when he was in the later stages of his life in the Hebrew Center for Health and Rehabilitation in West Hartford--his positive demeanor gained him the nickname, ``the Mayor,'' as he was so loved by his fellow residents and staff. Even up until his last Christmas, Barry grew out his beard to transform himself into Santa to pass out small gifts and candy to fellow residents.
Madam Speaker, the loss of Barry leaves a deep void in Connecticut as he was a unifier who brought people of both sides of the aisle together. I ask that my colleagues and this Chamber to join me in expressing our deepest respect for Barry's work and life and send our deepest condolences to the Williams Family. Barry is survived by his wife Susan, children Colby, Jake, Sam, Patel, his sisters Sedona and Kathi, and many other family members and friends who will carry the lasting memory of Barry in their hearts so that his joy, laughter, and compassion will continue to carry on.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 113
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