Mitchell Williams: Family, friends remember respected Haileybury teacher, football coach

The devastated wife of a teacher and Sunshine Football Club coach says he was an amazing father who cared for everyone he met.

Mitch Williams, 34, with daughters Lila, 3, and Zoe, 1. Picture: Callum Glassford.

A young dad, “fanatical” football coach and much-loved teacher has been remembered for his “unique ability” to fill a room with love and laughter after his shock death on the weekend.

Mitch “Boxy” Cade Williams, 34, tragically collapsed at his Greenvale home on Saturday.

The PE teacher from Haileybury College leaves behind his wife Casey and two young daughters Lila, 3, and Zoe, 1.

The cause of his death has not yet been determined and will be investigated by the coroner.

His partner of 12 years, Casey Williams, said she had been flooded by messages of support since his death, saying it showed how much he meant to his community.

“Reading all these messages, as heartbreaking as it it, it just shows how much he meant to people,” she said.

“He was the most amazing man, he had a unique personality and his laugh could be heard for miles.”

Mitch Williams, 34, was a former senior assistant coach at PEGS Football Club. Picture: Callum Glassford.

Mitchell Williams, 34, passed away unexpectedly on July 2. Picture: Mitchell Williams/ Facebook

She said Mitch had always lived his life to the fullest, doing everything he could for his daughters, parents friends and students.

“The thought of having to navigate life without you Mitchy just feels impossible,” she said.

“You absolutely lived for your two girls. They will always know about their amazing daddy.”

Many have described Mr Williams’ loving, caring and funny nature.

“Mitch had more friends than anyone we know which is a true testament to him and his character,” friend Cal Glassford said.

“He was not only the funniest person we know but he cared about every single one of us.

“Mitch was one of the greats, he was always the first person I wanted to call if I needed a laugh or even a cry. Life will never be the same.”

Mr Williams grew up in Strathmore, graduating high school at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar in 2005 before studying exercise science at the Australian Catholic University and a masters of teaching at Deakin University.

Mitch Williams, 34, with partner Casey and daughters Lila, 3, and Zoe, 1. Picture: Callum Glassford.

As a young man, he “lived and breathed” football, playing at the PEGS Football Club and later the Sunshine Kangaroos Football Club where he was described as a “great player, a great teammate and an even better friend”.

“Words can’t explain the sudden shock we are all feeling,” the club wrote in an emotional Facebook post.

He returned to the sport in 2017, serving as a senior assistant coach at PEGS Football Club, helping the club take the division one flag later that year.

He retired a few years later to spend more time at home with his young family.

“You always knew when Mitchy was around, he brought a smile to everyone’s face and the room was always better for having Mitchy in it,” the club wrote in a statement online.

“To his closest mates, Mitch was never afraid to show his emotions and we could not have asked for a more caring and loyal friend.”

He began teaching a decade ago, first as a PE teacher and school sport co-ordinator at the Keilor Primary School, before moving to a role as PE teacher and deputy head of Boys Middle School at Haileybury College.

Many spoke about his “cheeky” side, making up songs and dances to entertain his daughters and DJing for students and school events.

Mitch was an “inspiration” to his students, many of whom wrote messages online about their “role model” after learning of his death.

“He was always seen as a big kid and had the amazing ability to draw out a smile,” one wrote.

A mycause fundraiser set up to support his young family has raised more than $100,000 from almost 500 donors in three days.

A funeral and wake will be held in the week of July 18.