The kind and loving nature of Zak Williams’ father, Robin Williams, is being remembered by Zak Williams.
During an exclusive interview with People magazine at the 12th Annual Bring Change to Mind Revels & Revelations event, the oldest son of the late actor and comedian said that his father had a deep passion for assisting those who were in need, including strangers he met on the street.
“When I was a little kid and we’d be walking in San Francisco where I grew up, he would stop, talk to someone on the street — a homeless person — say, ‘Hey boss, what can I do for you?'” he says in his memory. “And we’d see him get meals, food, money.”
Zak, who is 41 years old, describes the actions of his father as being both moving and inspiring. “He cared deeply about people in need, and I think for me, he opened my eyes to really what kindness was all about,” he further said.
Ever since Robin passed away in 2014 at the age of 63, Zak, along with his siblings Zelda, 35, and Cody, 33, have made it their mission to continue their father’s legacy of philanthropy. “It was deeply important to him to help improve the human condition, and that extends beyond helping people laugh and learn about themselves,” according to his statement to PEOPLE.
“It also related to how he could actually support organizations materially by helping raise funds and awareness for organizations like the Challenged Athletes Foundation, the [Christopher & Dana Reeve] Foundation and St. Jude’s, among many others,” continues Zak, whom Robin welcomed with first wife Valerie Velardi in 1983.
The siblings are proud to carry on the “extremely important” work that meant so much to the Good Will Hunting star.
“We see it as a natural extension of what he would want, which is helping bring healing and helping develop resilience for folks, especially young people. He liked kids,” Zak tells PEOPLE. “And as a family, we feel it’s a natural way to honor his legacy.”
Zak — who is chairman of Glenn Close’s foundation Bring Change to Mind, which works to eradicate the stigma and prejudice around mental illness — also continues to commemorate Robin with moving tributes on social media. Back in August, he uploaded a happy snapshot on Instagram of the actor from his Mork & Mindy days to honor the 10th anniversary of his passing.
“Dad, it’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years,” Zak said in the post’s description. “Today, I’m reflecting on the immense love you shared with all of us — your family, your friends and everyone you met.”
He wrote, “You continue to inspire me every single day to do all I can to help build a more connected and loving world for our family. Love you forever.
On what would have been Robin’s 73rd birthday on July 21, Zak shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) reflecting on how his dad touched so many people’s lives. “I remember you for all the hope and joy you brought to the world,” he wrote. “There’s not a week that goes by without someone sharing with me how you helped them through a dark time or a rough patch. I’m so grateful to be your son. Love you forever.”