Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Though his life ended far too soon, Arvin Williams touched countless hearts, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy that will endure for years to come. Many of those memories were shared yesterday as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered at the Church of the Assumption in Port-of-Spain for his funeral service.
Williams was killed on November 8, three days before his 33rd birthday, after his van crashed into a ditch off the Solomon Hochoy Highway, near Ste Madeleine.
Relatives remembered Williams as an individual whose simple gestures made people feel seen, valued, and loved. During the service, his younger brother Aidan, who described himself as Williams’ “partner in crime”, said his brother lived every day to the fullest. “Saying he enjoyed himself would be an understatement,” he told mourners, adding that, “He lived every day as if it was his last. As tragic as his passing is and angry as we may think, he is now gone. We must hold on to the good things because, believe me, even though his life was cut short, he put more good out in this world as most have.”
He recalled the time that his brother had jumped into rough waters at Damien’s Bay to rescue two people who were being pulled out by the currents. Aidan said his brother had a positive impact on everyone he encountered.
“Arvin was kind, loving, a lil sassy, if I am being honest. An unmatched charisma and a spirit full of love. He never missed a chance to be there for a friend, listen to them or even just make someone feel seen or heard,” he said.
Williams was also an animal lover who had rescued and found homes for many stray dogs.
On behalf of his family, Aidan thanked Pan-American Life Insurance Company for making a contribution to Arrive Alive in his brother’s honour. Their father, Winston Williams, is the company’s CEO for the Caribbean Region.
Following the service, a private cremation was held.
