Mr Curtis Williams, 1st Dan Black Belt
Passed away at 8:10am on Monday 15th October 2007.Curtis was an immensely kind and fun loving young man who showed great courage during his illness and we are all deeply saddened by his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Erroll, Shelly, Marsha, Linval and all of Curtis' family. Curtis will be greatly missed.
There are many different types of Brain Tumors and Curtis was unfortunate to have a Bi-Thalamic Tumor for which there is no cure at this moment in time, therefore more research is needed which requires more money. The charity BTRC (in assocation with Way Ahead) works with a Neurosciences team at Charing Cross Hospital/Imperial College London to promote research into the causes and treatment of brain tumours, to raise public awareness of the need for this research and the current lack of funding. You can easily and securely donate money to BTRC via Shelly's Just Giving Page.
Following are photos, memories and messages of support from international martial artists, friends and family.
Photos of Curtis
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 Curtis with his family, Shelly, Curtis, Errol & Linval |
 Curtis with Silvio Simac |
 Curtis with his Dad and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace |
 Curtis at The Action Martial Arts Weekend with the UK Delegation |
 Curtis with the UK Team in Times Square NYC |
 Curtis with Limo and Family in Atlantic City USA |
 Curtis with Linval in the back of the Limo |
 Curtis with the UK Team and NYPD |
 Curtis & Family with Karen Sheperd |
 Curtis with his family and Cynthia Rothrock |
Memories and messages of support from international martial artists
Taken from memories of Curtis on the BNMAA website.Paul Griffin
I can't find the words to say that express my grief at this loss, and that makes me feel so selfish. In his absence I know he wishes everyone the strength of all the elements to which he has returned. I attach this power point file "Alive" so you can download and watch, be inspired and appreciate not just Curtis but your life and let all the elements give you the strength you need when it counts. ALIVE - Click here
Vince Palumbo
I feel sad that a young life has ended for a very special boy, and it is really important that we all remember just how much this young man achieved in his short but very fulfilled life as a young man, and we should give thanks and praise to this very special and talented young boy! Rest in peace young warrior of the martial arts! God Bless.
Andy Davies
When we come into this world we are a blank sheet and as we start to grow we not only write the pages of our own lives but affect what is written in the lives of others. When we pass on from this mortal realm our real legacy to the world is not how much we have left behind or what we have achieved but how we have touched the lives of others. Clearly Curtis has touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed, but that is his legacy:-the very great impact that he had on everyone who knew him - they are what they are because of him, not in spite of him.
Nathaniel L Peat
Hope is like a bird that senses the dawn and carefully starts to sing while it is still dark.
Jenni Lauren
Although i didn't know Curtis, i can see from the photo's on the email that he touched a good many people. Let the love for him never die, always keep him in you hearts and he will live on forever. He hasn't gone he is just somewhere else. May the pain be eased by all the people that are sending you good wishes and kind thoughts.
Karen Sheperd
My heart goes out to Curtis's family and all who love him, especially his immediate family. His extended family is the Martial Arts Family....that huge worldwide network of people who share the same love of Martial Arts and respect for all it inspires in body, mind and spirit and I am proud that Curtis was part of that. His spirit always will be.
Seamus Loughran
As always a life lost is very sad but they say IN EVERY LIGHT , THERE SHINES A COLOUR, AND IN EVERY STONE THERE SLEEPS A CRYSTAL and Curtis was an OBVIOUS 'BRIGHT SLEEPING CRYSTAL, awaiting to fulfil his destiny IF YOU BELIEVE, AND EVEN IF YOU DON'T, THERE'S A UNIVERSAL JUSTICE, AND THE EYES OF TRUTH ARE ALWAYS YOU MAY HE SLUMBER IN PEACE , IN THE ARMS OF THE BEHOLDER, JESUS CHRIST. deepest sorrow.
Lee, Pauline, Elida, Danny & Jason Bindra & all the staff from Blitz
We were very sad to hear about the loss of Curtis. It is indeed something you wouldn’t wish upon anyone. We have known Errol for many years and consider him a good friend. No words can take away the pain, but knowing there are people who care and are there in times of trouble hopefully eases some of it. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go to Errol and the whole of his family.
Kingsley Morgan
Many will be remembering the life, tragically foreshortened, of someone who by all accounts tested his potential and worked to exploit his talents. As such, he should be beacon guiding other young people to follow his brave example.
Chuck Zito
Rest In Peace Little Dragon - Yours In Bushido. Chuck Zito.
Mike Beard 5th Dan World Champion Chief Instructor First Defence Taekwondo
Sad Loss!! We shared a table 2 years ago and we all see these photos and see your smile. We will always feel your presence and warmth throughout the martial arts. We will always remember who you used to be and the laughter you shared with those around you. Where are you now, where did you go, when the body is left behind and the spirit is released to fly? More than likely you are training in the great Dojang in the sky. Inspiration comes from within and is projected out to others, everybody your life has touched are better people for it and they have become wiser and stronger because of you and we truly thank you. Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit is what we all aim for. Curtis displayed all of these and is an inspiration to us all.
Haydn, Lucy, Connor and Frannie Bridgeland (Apex Martial Arts Academy)
Every time someone dies a void is created, this void can only be filled with love and memories. Keep both strong and enduring, and this void will slowly fill. Our hearts and minds are with you.
Master Kevin Doyle & Jean Verity-Doyle MMU Manchester UK
What an amazing Child. My heart goes out to his parents and friends who knew him well and i am sure that they take great comfort knowing that that he belonged to a huge family, of 'Martial artists' regardless of which type they take up. I will certainly use his name in class.
Dover Kyokushinkai Karate Club (UK)
Although we never met Curtis our sincere love and prayers are with you Curtis and your family at this very sad time of your lives. Curtis will live on in your thoughts and memories and of all that had the very great honour of knowing this young man. Every young & Old Martial Artist should look upon Curtis as a Mentor and having lost our own Son Daniel aged six back in 2000 we can only send out our love and prayers to Your loving family. Curtis. Rest in peace with the knowledge that you have touched the lives of so many. All our love Shihan Sean & Caroline Wright and all of our students and instructors.
In memory of all the young warriors and inspired by, Curtis Williams - Written by; Sha Poe Ryu International Combat / Sha Soo Doo Jitsu Ryu / American Temple Training Union
An old warrior received word one day that a young warrior had fell, the old warrior kneeled down to pray and the spirit pressed upon him and caused a great vision to come before him concerning young warriors who had passed from life to death into life again.
In the spirit the old warrior seen the families of the fallen and all of their agony and pain, the suffering of the mothers the hart of the fathers the emptiness of the brothers and sisters who remain. The old warrior’s eye filled with tears and the spirit pressed upon him again with a vision of the young warrior’s friends.
How they would miss them, some would remember the way they were and others for what they stood fore, while others would forget until something would happen that reminded them of the young warriors their once dear friends. The old warrior shouted in his spirit is this all these young warriors leave is sadness and faint memories. The spirit pressed upon the old warrior again and he seen another vision full of anguish, suffering and pain.
The vision showed how the good intentions of all those who wanted to help in the fight in which the young warriors passed from life, made promises and pledges to raise the banner high and enter into the battle to save life and as soon as they fought one small skirmish or seen the magnitude of the battlefield they took flight. The few that stood their ground were overwhelmed “but” they continued to fight the good fight, compelling their family, friends and neighbors alike to help them in the battle to save life.
As the old warrior seen all these things his hart was filled with sorrow and pain and again he shouted in the spirit, is there no hope left in the world. The spirit pressed upon the old warrior again and he seen the spirits of the young warriors proclaiming victory, the vision was so great the old warrior ask what does this mean.
They were all upon great stallions dressed for war; they each had on robes of white and sandals of peace, their loins were gritted with truth in which they did keep, they had breastplates of righteousness made from silver and gold and helmets of salvation that protected their soul and swords of valor that could not be described for the beauty of them as they hang by their sides and their voice was as one with their battle cry, let us go forth and protect those precious lives. The old warrior seen them passing by declaring victory with a fire in their eye, some were to fight against daises and others poverty while yet others proclaimed all manners of things. The old warrior rejoiced as they each passed by for the spirit had shown him the meaning of the young warriors lives.
As the old warrior opened his tear filled eyes he gave praise and glory to God on high for showing him that the battle would not be lost for the young warriors valiantly ride fighting the enemy from every side.
Phil Jackie & Jessie Boyham
A Hero (Greek ἥρως), in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demi-god, the offspring of a mortal and a deity.[1] Later, hero (male) and heroine (female) came to refer to characters that, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice, that is, heroism, for some greater good, originally of martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence.
Stories of heroism may serve as moral examples. In classical antiquity, hero cults, veneration of deified heroes such as Heracles, Perseus, or Achilles, played an important role in Ancient Greek religion. Later emperors employed hero worship for their own apotheosis, that is, cult of personality.
Memories and messages from friends and family
Taken from Just Giving donation pages for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and University College London Hospitals Charities.| Danielle Day & Family | We are so sorry for your loss and send you our love xx |
| Dave and Andy Bray | Such a tragic loss, thinking of you all. |
| Elizabeth, Richard, Hughie & Thomas | You are in our thoughts and prayers. |
| Emily C | So sorry for your family's loss, love you lots Marsh xxx |
| michael martel | sweetheart my deepest condolences to you and your family, remember you have friends carl and I who c |
| Toni, Titch and Aydan | Marsha and family, so saddened to hear about your loss! RIP in heaven curtis xx |
| meade, forde, pjpp, rye hill | we are deeply saddened, curtis was a truly inspirational young person whose spirit will live on |
| rita | with deepest sympathy |
| jill & jim | god bless to you curtis our thoughts are with you and your family |
| john hegg | sleep peacefully curtis you will never be forgotton |
| neighbours of amidas gdns | we will all miss your smiling face |
| michael rawles | you will be greatly missed curtis |
| Gloria, Jeff & Tiana | Our thoughts are with you all. |
| Joyce, Kirsty, Darren and Gary | Our thoughts are with Erroll, Shelly, Marsha and Linval. Curtis was a shining example to everyone. |
| paul skipsey & family | Curtis,you will always be remembered,love the skipsey family |
| Ms Newman/ Wheeler (RLS) | God Bless. My thoughts are with Curtis' family and friends. |
| Donna, Matt, Brandon and Chloe Ditchburn | God Bless you all |
| Sharon & Chris | Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless |
| Linda+Eileen Moore | Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. God Bless |
| SEAN FITZSIMMONS | Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this tragic time From Sean, Jacqueline & Conor |
| Lewis, Erica and Ruben | Curtis you will be deeply missed. Your courage and spirit is an inspiration to us all. Love L, E + R |
| Harry van Schaik | Thank you Curtis Williams |
| Paul Griffin | To see your courage over your 2 years with this devastating disease inspires all, Love Paul & Iris x |
| Bambo | You are missed greatly.We all will remeber you.Rest in peace. |
| james leyland | |
| jill,rita,jh,mr,amidas,pjpp,meade,rye hill,forde | curtis you were an inspiration to everyone you met, heaven is taking back an angel |
| Westlake Family | Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Sue, Jim, Amy & Neil x |
| Gloria, Jeff and Tiana | Our thoughts are with you all. |
| Marian | Erroll, Shelley, Marsha and Linval, I was so saddened to hear that Curtis lost his brave fight. |
| Mike Beard | I wish you well in the Dojang in the Sky. My thoughts are with all your family you have left behind |
| Joyce, Kirsty, Darren and Gary | Our thoughts are with Erroll, Shelly, Marsha and Linval. Curtis was a shining example to everyone. |
| alice glover | we will allways remember curtis for being so kind from louis,honor,nigel,alice and ben xxx |
| Donna, Matt, Brandon and Chloe Ditchburn | Thinking of you all at this very sad time. |
| Linda+Eileen Moore | Thinking of you all at this sad time. God Bless |
| Sean Fitzsimmons | Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this tragic time From Sean, Jacqueline & Conor |
| Ms Wheeler/Newman (RLS) | God Bless. My thoughts are with Curtis' family. |
| Lewis, Erica and Ruben Tandy | Curtis you will be deeply missed. Your courage and spirit is an inspiration to us all. Love L, E + R |
| Paul Griffin | Honoured to have known you in your short life, you live on in our memories. Love Paul & Iris |