"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

Mike Williams wining his 5th European Title!

The text below is offered by Justin Johnson, Mike's training partner, and friend.

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