Michael Anthony Wlliams

Michael Anthony Williams (09/14/1932–12/17/25)

Michael “Mike” Williams died peacefully at home on December 17, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 93 years old. A trial attorney by education, training and avocation, Mike was a formidable man in every way–his force of personality, intellect, drive, energy, and zeal for life. Renowned for his commanding courtroom demeanor and ability to distill complex facts into compelling narratives, Mike earned the respect of judges, juries, adversaries, and colleagues alike. Mike measured his professional success not merely in verdicts and judgments, but in principles. Although he was a demanding teacher, he also cared deeply for the people who worked with and for him.

The oldest of three boys, Mike spent his early years on a small farm near Mandan, North Dakota. When the farm was lost during the dust bowl, his parents, Melvin “King” Williams and Lucille Gavin, moved to town. When Mike was a young teen, his father became bed-ridden and Mike worked odd jobs to help put food on the table for the family. He also earned money shooting magpies (earning a nickel for every magpie he shot) and playing pool at the local pool hall.

Mike was a star student and gifted athlete at Mandan High School and a member of the Mandan Braves, the 1948 North Dakota State High School champion football team. Upon graduation in 1950, he was awarded a full tuition scholarship to St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minnesota. While at St. Thomas, Mike earned his room and board working as a personal secretary for Professor John Madigan who became Mike’s close friend and mentor. Their friendship continued until Professor Madigan’s death.

After college graduation in 1954, Mike applied to Harvard Law School and was awarded a full tuition scholarship. Although Mike initially felt like a fish out of water at Harvard, he enjoyed the intellectual challenge and his passion for the law was ignited. Mike left Harvard after his first year to fulfill his ROTC obligation, serving in the U.S. Air Force as an Intelligence Officer in the Strategic Air Command. During his service, Mike earned his pilot’s license, which led to a life-long passion–flying his own small plane. While stationed in Hawaii, Mike tasted his first pineapple, which he described as a “religious experience.”

In 1957, Mike returned to Harvard Law School, where he graduated in the top quarter of the Class of 1959. He then headed to Colorado to become an associate attorney at Dawson, Nagel, Sherman & Howard, later Sherman & Howard. Mike was initially assigned to the firm’s municipal bond department, but he soon transitioned to the litigation department where he really found his calling. At age 34, Mike argued a pro bono criminal appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled 9-0 in his client’s favor. Although Mike was known as a no-nonsense and tenacious advocate, it was his gentle and easy manner with juries, combined with his reputation for always being honest and upfront with the court and opposing counsel, that brought him success. He was readily recognizable by his beard, mustache, bow ties, and a unique, resonating laugh.

In 2001, Mike left Sherman and Howard and, together with two close friends, formed Williams, Youle & Koenigs, P.C., where he practiced as a litigator until 2011. Mike remembered his time there as the happiest and most fulfilling time of his professional career. It was the strong friendships and mutual respect the firm’s members had for one another that made it special. In 2011, Mike formed his own arbitration and mediation practice which continued until his love for the island of Kauai, lilikoi (passion fruit) pie, and golf lured him into retirement.

Mike was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the College of Commercial Arbitrators, and the American Board of Trial Advocates, and was an honorary member of the Sam Cary Bar Association. He contributed significantly to his profession by serving as officer and committee chair in county and state bar associations. He was the owner of Denver Broncos season tickets acquired in the team’s second season, and an avid Denver Nuggets fan.

Mike married Marjorie Harrer in 1962. They had three children: Annie Williams, Doug Williams (Sepeideh) and David Williams (Katherine). Mike’s son-in-law, Harry Shulman, predeceased him. Mike has seven grandchildren. In 1989, Mike married Dottie Tomasetti, a fellow lawyer, who shared his interest in flying, golf, and good food. Mike was an adventurous cook whose addition of unconventional spices and flavoring made for interesting meals. Mike has two stepchildren, Lisa Holmes (Will) and Boyd Jason Tomasetti (Clare), and two step-grandchildren. Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Dottie, and his brother, Larry Williams (Margaret). Their brother Patrick Williams (Mary) predeceased him. He has six nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 10:00 am on January 10, 2026, at the Denver Botanic Garden, 1007 York Street. You may RSVP at https://pp.events/bLLxJ7BQ. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Food Bank of the Rockies, The Colorado Bar Foundation, or Mount Evans Hospice.