‘Truly a Butte guy’: Former Rep. Pat Williams leaves legacy of wit and wisdom

Family and friends in Butte say they will miss the wit and wisdom of Pat Williams, 87, a diehard Democrat who grew up here and served nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1979 to 1997.

He died Wednesday in Missoula.

His brother-in-law, Rick Griffith of Butte, said he will cherish the many family memories.

“We would hunt up in the Big Hole Valley and fish at Georgetown Lake,” said Griffith. “There were so many great times.”

Griffith last saw Williams this past Tuesday.

“He was still laughing and reminiscing,” Griffith said. “He made a graceful exit.”

Pat Williams in Butte.

Courtesy of Aidan Williams

Griffith said he was always in awe of his brother-in-law’s commitment to his job, but more importantly, to his family.

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