Orrin Hatch: “I am grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to a truly extraordinary public servant, father, grandfather, and…”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to a truly extraordinary public servant, father, grandfather, and neighbor--Mr. John S. Williams. Sadly, John passed away this week leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service. John worked for an unprecedented 27\1/2\ years as the executive director of the Five County Association of Governments, AOG; only the third person to serve in that position since the association's inception. This association was formed to address the needs and challenges facing the southwest region of Utah--Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, and Washington Counties. As the director, John set a tone of hard work, commitment, and a belief in the greatness of southwest Utah. He was comfortable not only in the director's chair--but rolling up his sleeves and getting the hard work done. He was a key figure in promoting economic development in southwest Utah, as well as the whole State. He helped formulate policy and address issues facing an increasingly expanding region including: infrastructure, public lands issues, population growth, and quality of life. The Five County AOG has a reputation throughout Utah as an association that makes a difference and helps forge the way, largely in part because of the strength of John's leadership for almost three decades.…”