Dave Williams was born and raised in Pennsylvania. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in analytical management, he was assigned to duty in California, where he met and married Judy.

Upon completion of his tour of duty, the lure and excitement of Silicon Valley prompted him to return to civilian life. His various endeavors in high-tech start-ups culminated in a leading role in the development of the highly successful Veritas Software Company.

The Williams family by then included three daughters, which provided Dave with the impetus to retire at a young age. The simple fact of volunteering at school resulted in his being a head coach of track for 10 years.

After vacationing in Whitefish for several years, the family determined this was the community which had the attributes they were seeking. Dave immediately became involved in community affairs and discovered Habitat for Humanity. In his words, "I was hooked on my first contact."

Serving as the president of the Flathead affiliate of the national organization, which is attempting to eliminate sub-standard housing, he half-jokingly states, "It's my full-time retirement job."

He emphasizes that they're not a charity and states, "We give a hand up, not a handout."

Volunteer labor provides everything except the electrical, plumbing, heating and concrete work. Recipients must meet rigid qualifications, and persons who observe the process say it reminds them of the old-fashioned barn or house raisings, where neighbors gathered and erected a building, simply because they wanted to help a neighbor.

Dave believes that 'skills are not yours to keep — they must be shared," and "to whom much is given, much is expected." He puts these beliefs to practice.

Dave, you have helped many people in their efforts to improve their lives. A suitable home provides the basis for development in many different ways, and your community thanks you.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail [email protected].