How Ed Williams Turned Lemons Into Lemonade

Ed Williams, and his rescued Maltese/Poodle mix named Charlie, can be seen together enjoying life in Uptown District. For the past 8 years, Charlie hardly ever leaves Ed’s side – except for trips to a nearby doggie daycare so Ed can participate in his many volunteer activities. 

Ed, originally from New York and subsequently from the Bay area, moved to Uptown District in 2011 with his wife to be near her sister who had health problems. They loved travelling and in 2013 they took a trip to Costa Rica, where his wife suffered from a fall down a hillside and died 2 days later from septic shock.

It was a shocking and devastating event but it led Ed to join a grief group through his church (Holy Family) in Linda Vista. Fast-forward to today and Ed now leads the grief group every Tuesday and has done so for the past 6 years. He attributes the bereavement counseling with helping him learn how to turn lemons into lemonade.

His background as a former counselor and teacher serves him well in this role. Serra High School in San Mateo is one of the places Ed taught. Two of his students are now famous professional athletes - Barry Bonds and Tom Brady.

Ed’s volunteer work also includes serving as a  consolation minister – helping people through the funeral/celebration of life process. In addition, he helps at the church’s Saint Vincent De Paul center – where folks in need can access food, clothing and cash received through its thrift store. In fact, recently the unclaimed bicycles from Uptown District were donated to this charity where they were fixed and sold – benefiting underprivileged children and bringing in money to help others in need.

Not only does Ed volunteer with his church, he also loves live theater and ushers at the Lyceum, Old Globe and Spreckles. He particularly likes watching autistic children enjoy Scrooge in special holiday performances designed for people on the spectrum.

Here in Uptown District, Ed (and Charlie) volunteer on the Finance Committee and when he and Charlie are at home, Ed enjoys reading non-fiction. His recent readings include a biography of Frederick Douglas and “The Pioneers” – about the settling of Ohio. 

An avid traveler, Ed has upcoming trips to the Caribbean, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

When you meet Ed, you’ll notice the warmth of his smile and the kindness of his manner. – it’s no wonder Charlie is so attached!!! 

Source: Anne Haule, “How Ed Williams Turned Lemons into Lemonade”, The Uptown Residential, Volume 105, August 2019.