WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT) — Former Watertown mayor and Lake Area Technical College (LATC) President Gary Williams has died.

Williams spent 16 years leading LATC, and later became mayor in 2009, defeating then-incumbent Paul Fox in a runoff election.

Williams career as mayor ended in 2009, when he lost to then-city councilman Steve Thorson.

Thorson says Williams was a good man who did a lot for the city.

Thorson says Williams was also a very good businessman.

Current LATC President Mike Cartney called Williams, “a foundational figure in Lake Area Technical College’s history. Our thoughts and prayers go to Gary’s family during these difficult times.”

Gary Williams passed away Saturday. He was 74 years old.