Richard Keith Williams died Oct. 17, 2011, in Sun City West, Ariz. He was born Dec. 1, 1943, in Cookville, Tenn., to James & Phyllis (Threadgold) Williams. Richard (Dick) grew up in Austin, Minn., where he graduated in 1962 from Austin High School. After receiving chemistry and physics degrees in 1966, from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, he attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota.

Dick married Bonnie Neugent in Madison, Wis., in June 1966, and settled in the Twin Cities. After working for 3M and Honeywell as a Chemist, he ended his career as technical director of Research & Development at Birchwood Laboratories in Eden Prairie, Minn..

After retiring to Sun City West in 2001, Dick enjoyed reading, golfing, and crossword puzzles. His real passion was duplicate bridge and he traveled throughout the southwest playing in bridge tournaments. He received a Bronze Life Master award from the American Contract Bridge League. Dick also belonged to the local Sportsman’s Club and the Order of Elks.

Dick is survived by his wife Bonnie Neugent; parents James & Phyllis Williams of Sun City West; brothers Michael (Jane) Williams of Austin; and Mark (Cheri) Williams of Tongonoxie, Kan.; and sister, Robin (Robert) Gearhart of Scottsdale, Ariz.