Natural Bodybuilding Legend and European Champion Mike Williams passed away on June 27 of 2006. Mike Williams was a true pioneer within the Natural Bodybuilding community, having set a standard of definition, symmetry and presentation that will continue to inspire thousands of other competitive athletes. His multiple titles are evidence of a man not only dedicated to the sport of bodybuilding, but dedicated to life as well. Mike added a sense of passion to all that he touched, and his loss will be felt deeply within the natural bodybuilding community and beyond.

MIKE WILLIAMS

1956 – 2006

As I write this it is a day since my very good friend Mike Williams passed away.

His wife Janet called me yesterday afternoon to give me this devastating news.

I feel numb as I type this, and will miss Mike so much. He was such a helpful, respectful, modest, and humble Champion and person who would go out of his way to help anybody. He was so friendly and approachable, always smiling as he greeted you with the famous Mike Williams hug - there will never be anybody like Mike Williams.

When the NPA was formed I remember calling Mike and I could feel the enthusiasm in his voice as we spoke over the phone. As we put the Committee together I was delighted that someone of Mike’s standing was willing to support us, and his first trip abroad under the NPA banner was the UIBBN Europeans. He comfortably took the European title and later in the year won the Pro-Am and World title too. As he got older he got better! In Italy for the Worlds 2004 I saw first hand how respected Mike was. People would come over to shake his hand, they were in awe of him, and I was flattered just to be in his company. Mike was a legendary figure in Natural Bodybuilding, he had more titles behind his name than anybody else. He had competed with NABBA, EFBB, and the ANB over the years, and was now playing a major role in the development of the NPA. As pleased as I was to have Mike and Janet involved with the NPA, I was more honored to have them become close friends of myself and my wife Diane. The last couple of years Mike and Janet came up to Holmfirth to stay for a couple of days for the NPA Yorkshire Championships, and they were more than welcome guests at our house the day before the contest, as we and some close mutual friends happily socialized into the night. Happy and precious days indeed.

Only 2 weeks ago I roomed with Mike for the UIBBN Europeans in Barcelona, and we had such a good time, surrounded by close and genuine friends. As I close my eyes I can see him there. On the Saturday evening after the contest we went out for a meal, and had a great evening. As we walked around close to the hotel there were people from other teams’ countries acknowledging him as we walked past them, that’s how it was when you were in Mike’s company. I find it very hard to believe he has gone, and I am sure that I speak for many when I say that Mike will be sorely missed by everybody who knew him. As a bodybuilder and as a person, Mike is irreplaceable. On behalf of everybody connected to the NPA my thoughts and deepest condolences go to Janet, their children, and family.

Michael Phillips

28th June 2006

"Mike never used to shake my hand either, he always said to me from an early age that you shake the hand of someone you don’t really know, Mike always hugged me!" Tony Montalbano

"I can truly say he was one of the nicest blokes I've ever met" Ian Stocks

"His enthusiasm and exuberant approach to all things Bodybuilding and life in general was amazing. He remains a genuine inspiration to us all." Mark Oakes

"he touched everyone in the same positive , friendly way, bodybuilding wont be the same without him." Brandon Marjoram

"I always looked upon Mike as my toughest challenge, he truly was a fantastic natural bodybuilder, arguably the best that this Country has ever produced." Rob Feesey

At around 9.45 am Tuesday 27th June, Mike Williams left us.

I have known Mike for a relatively short time compared with most. However, I consider Mike to be one of my closest and most precious friends.

I first Met Mike last December whilst training at the Virgin gym (Hadleigh, Essex). He had just arrived (the same time as me) and was starting a chest workout. It was my chest day so I suggested that we paired. From then on we trained 4 or 5 days each week. I was amazed by the presence Mike held and was in awe of this shape, physique and fitness. During a back workout, we hooked up to the same heart monitor and although I am 15 years his junior, his resting heart rate and recovery time were much better than mine.

He was also an incredibly strong man and humble beyond belief. It was weeks before I knew he would compete, let alone being the then UK, European and World Champion in the Senior section. Other gym goers would stop what they were doing to watch each set Mike pushed out. This in part was due to him not just pushing (or pulling) the stack, but the fact I had either a foot or a hand on the stack pushing down on it too!

Up until meeting Mike, I was a casual trainer. I would train a few times per week, eat quite well but not as I should and skip workouts. However, Mike gave me the motivation and determination to push and work hard. He gave me guidance and confidence in what I was doing and explained what and why I should do things in certain ways. When I did what was asked, the results were obvious to see. He knew his sport.

Through his achievements I learnt many things but at the top of that list was this. It does not matter who you are, were you come from in life or what you have achieved so far. If you want something, it is there for the taking. You simply need to reach out and take it. Out side of training, his ethics, family values and respect for everyone astounded me. For Mike there were people he would look up to, everyone else were on the same level. He would never ever look down.

Mike was a man of integrity, honesty and could be trusted with anything. I knew I could speak with him about anything and would not have to ask for a subject not to be repeated. One of his most amazing attributes (for me) was the lack of ego as a body builder! Yes, he was competitive and would work to psyche others out (as they would him) in a competition but that is were it stopped. The sponsorship and recognition that he could and should have had was never realised due to the fact that he chose not to self promote. Most people that knew him in the gym did not know he was a world champion or even that he would compete. For them he was the 'big, fit guy with the smile and huge legs'.

I met Mike on Monday evening at the gym for a workout. He kept me waiting for the usual ten minutes at which time I saw him heading my way, dipping his shoulders with each stride along with the ear to ear grin on his face. 'what are we doing today?' he asked, knowing full well what the agenda was. We did what we do normally and arranged to meet on Wednesday for legs.

When Jan called me Tuesday afternoon I was sleeping. After the call I was convinced I had dreamt it. You see there is simply no way any god would take a man in his prime, at the peak of his physical fitness and appearance. No way he would take a man by surprise in a manor he could not be brought back. Why and how could this happen?

I still wake each day and hope the fact he has gone is a dream although as each day passes, the reality steps in that little bit sooner. I miss you Mike.

I will never forget Mike and will ensure he is not forgotten. I have never met anyone with the same qualities and commitment to all he was involved with and one I am proud and privileged to call a friend. I will employ the same commitment whilst ensuring his website will be finished and with the help of Jan, this site will serve the purpose of helping others achieve their goals in natural bodybuilding.

Rest in Peace? I don't think so. Mike will be training as hard as always in the big gym in the sky and will continue to help us all in what we do. There is no question in my mind about that.

Some people have said Mike was the best. The thing is, to be the best you must have peers. For me Mike was not 'The Best', he was 'The Only'.

Justin Johnson 1st July 2006