In Memory of Kurt Stewart Williams

Obituary

Kurt Stewart Williams, 41, of Garopaba, Southern Brazil and formerly of New Hartford and Holland Patent, died Sunday, September 8, 2024, as the result of an accidental drowning while kayaking in the ocean.

He was born Nov. 10, 1982 in New Hartford, son of Stewart and Esther Coe Williams. He graduated with honors in photography from Mohawk Valley Community College.

Kurt worked as an international photographer, traveling the world for 14 years to over 90 countries. He had a special gift for connecting with people, whether in India, Nepal, Australia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, or South America. While in Africa, he worked for Second Chance Africa, documenting refugees for the United Nations. He said that he found people to be good the world over.

Kurt settled down four years ago with his wife, Maria, who he met in Peru. They made their home in southern Brazil, where they were able to watch the whales from their home. Kurt loved nature, animals, hiking and mountain climbing, scuba diving, and meeting people, and was an accomplished gemologist.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maria, his cherished daughter, Ankana, and their yet-to-be-born second child. Locally he leaves his mother and father of Holland Patent; a sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Scott Ruganis of New Hartford; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Keith and Ursula Williams of Steuben, and Ken and Teresa Williams of Whitesboro; and eight nieces and nephews. Kurt also leaves his father in law and mother in law, Angel Rojas and Maria Solorzano, three brothers in law and a sister in law Cesar and Marian Rojas, Angel Rojas and Alejandro Rojas and several aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with friends the world over.

A service of remembrance will be held at the convenience of the family. Everyone is asked to consider an act of kindness to someone in need in Kurt’s memory.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.