Quay Issac Gene Williams, age 52, passed away on Saturday, January 27th, 2024. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, son, nephew, uncle and friend and it comes with deep heartache to share this news of his passing.
Quay was born on May 24, 1971, in Portland, Oregon. He was raised by his mom in Sandy, Oregon where he graduated high school in 1989. After high school Quay bought his first house when he was 18 in Gresham, Oregon. He worked at RR Donnelley for years and put himself through school. He got his bachelors in 2006 from Portland State University. He met his wife Emily at his best friend Rob Johnson's wedding in 1998 and later said “I do” in 2001.
Quay and Emily moved back to Sandy and bought their first house together in August 2006 and soon started their family. Quay started working at LAM Research in 2012 as a facility electrical engineer and soon moved to a more prominent position working as engineering manager.
Throughout his career he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. Some words shared from his coworkers this week were:
"Quay brightened the lives of his coworkers who cherished working with him."
"His achievements leave a legacy that will be felt and experienced by his work teammates for decades."
"Quay's commitment to helping his coworkers enriched their lives every day."
"At work, Quay brought together incredible people who valued him and each other as an extended family."
More than anything, Quay was a devoted father to his children. His children, Taylar and Mason, were the center of his world. He loved spending time with them, sharing stories, playing games, fishing, and sitting around a good campfire. Some of his favorite memories were traveling with his wife and kids to the beach or to Wallowa Lake. He was always there to offer guidance, support and encouragement for them, no matter what challenges they faced.
In his free time, Quay enjoyed hobbies like golf, fishing, dirt bikes, and camping. In the last few years, he liked to BBQ and smoke various meats on his Trager. Some would say it was legendary and became more like an experiment to him with temperature controls and flavoring techniques. His pallet preference was often spicier than others could handle but he also loved a good hot sauce challenge. If he couldn't be outside on the weekends, he liked to take apart electronics and tinker with them in his spare time.
Quay was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm in engineering, electronics, math, and finances. Quay experimented with making his own beer a few times and loved a good IPA or glass of red wine. He loved to spend quality time with Taylar in her room talking about life and most recently teaching her how to drive and with Mason he drove RC cars or took him fishing.
Some knew Quay better than others but no matter how long ago it was when you connected with him last, he made a memorable impression because that is the kind of guy Quay was. Quay's willingness to put others ahead of his own needs is a trait passed down from his grandpa Loyd. He left an impact on everyone's life that he touched. He was a man who stood for what he believed in and loved deeper than most. His character and charisma are worth honoring and we would like all to be a part of remembering the good memories you shared with him at a celebration of life service. By holding on to those memories and sharing them with each other, we can focus on the good times he gave us all and help find comfort in this difficult time together.
It is never easy to say goodbye to someone who has been such a big part of our lives. When that person is gone, there is a hole where your heart held them dearly and in your life. Sometimes you meet people who make your world a better place just by being in it and without them it seems impossible to go on. That is how many of us are feeling right now with this news.
Quay is survived by his wife Emily who he was married to for 22 years, his children Taylar (16 years old) and Mason (10 years old), his mom Avis (74 years old) and his sister Kay Dee (36 years old). His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
A private graveside service will be held for family and close friends.