Whether people liked or disliked Obed "Smoky" Williamson, one thing was for sure: They never forgot him.
The same could be said for the infamous and outrageous TV commercials for the West Fargo restaurant bearing his nickname. The Smoky's ads practically made Williamson a household figure in the Red River Valley.
Williamson, 68, died Tuesday while on a walk in Bullhead City, Ariz.
He was found in a steep desert ravine about 9:15 p.m. during a helicopter search. He was reported missing by longtime partner Cazue Swedberg, who was waiting in a vehicle for him, said Carrie Conner, public information officer for the Bullhead City Police Department.
An autopsy is being done to determine the cause of death. Bullhead City police say there are no signs of foul play.
Williamson died in an area he and friends Guy Kittelson and Conrad Larson planned in August to break ground for a golf course and residential development.
Kittelson, who owns Northern Grain Equipment in West Fargo, said he talked to his friend Monday before he left for Arizona. Williamson planned to walk the area to get a feel for the terrain.
Kittelson said Williamson knew many people. It'll be hard to find a room big enough for Williamson's funeral, he said.
Those who knew Williamson also say he had an outspoken personality.
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"He wasn't afraid of nobody," Kittelson said. "He was a loud guy when he spoke, and looked a little rough around the edges, but he was such a good-natured individual."
Larson agreed.
"Obed was a real character. You don't forget him once you meet him," he said.
Williamson is probably best known for his restaurant, famous for its 52-ounce steaks.
He started the first Smoky's in Ardoch, N.D., in 1985. It closed in 1991.
Chris Misialek, owner of the Harvey Avenue Saloon in nearby Minto, said he was surprised when Williamson left Ardoch.
"He pretty much had a gold mine there," Misialek said. "He had a great business."
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The West Fargo Smoky's opened in 1988 and was sold earlier this year. The Smoky's in Hawley, Minn., opened in 1992 and was sold in 1996. At that time, Williamson, who also farmed near Grafton, N.D., said he wanted to focus on other projects.
Kittelson said Williamson wanted to devote himself to the Bullhead City project, which will feature an 18-hole, PGA championship golf course with homes and a hotel engulfing it.
"This was his passion," Kittelson said, noting that Williamson planned to retire there as well. Many people from this area already said they were interested in going there as well, Kittleson said.
Kittelson said the project will go on - Williamson would want it that way.
Both Kittelson and Larson say they're at least grateful Williamson died in a place he loved, doing what he loved. He'll be missed by many, Kittleson said.
"They only made one Obed," he said. "No matter what you thought of him, he's a legend."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Mary Jo Almquist at (701) 241-5531
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