More than 100 people attended a service held at the Olinger Hampden Mortuary last Friday in honor of DU student Nickolas Williams, who died Sept. 28.

Williams, who was double majoring in mathematics and physics, was remembered at the service for his charisma, exuberance, spontaneity and determination according to those who spoke.

“We are here to celebrate Nick’s strength, his courage, his kindness and his tender heart,” said Damon Henry, a representative from the Olinger Mortuary who led the service. “I’ve been told that Nick was never a stranger to anybody. He’d spend his holidays sometimes at the homeless shelter giving back—he was a friend to everyone.”

Throughout the memorial, Williams was likened to a star.

“Nick wasn’t just a star, he was a shooting star,” said Henry. “A shooting star is unique; it’s one of a kind; it’s a brilliant spectacle that enters our lives, leaves a lasting memory, and then is gone…some are gone in just a moment.”

The “prowess” Williams had for mathematics was remembered, as were his affinities for knitting and poetry.

He was also recognized for the zeal he brought to his life.

“The main word I would think of when I think of Nick would be passionate,” said Williams’ brother Jacob. “He was passionate about everyone that he was around and everything that he loved to do.”
Friendship was another common theme of the service, with Williams’ love for his friends emphasized numerous times throughout.

“He was always about having a good time and showing everyone else that he loved them,” said Jacob.
“By being his friend, you gave yourself an amazing gift,” said Henry.

Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Andrei Kutateladze, who shared the news of Williams’ death “with great sadness” in an email sent out to the DU community, also mentioned this idea, saying that Williams “was well-liked by his friends and fellow majors.”

Williams tutored at the math center and conducted research in the area of protein folding. He was awarded both his bachelor of science in physics and in mathematics upon his death.

“Nick’s a great guy, and I think we’ll all miss him,” said Williams’ brother, Ryan. “[His death] is kind of like the star thing; the light lingers on much longer after they burn out, and will guide us through.”