Richard "Doc" Williams, a businessman who was integral in bringing together outdoor enthusiasts in Acadiana, died early Thursday from complications of congestive heart failure and Alzheimer's.

He was 86.

A pediatric dentist by trade, Williams is best known as the avid outdoor enthusiast behind Pack and Paddle. Williams opened the family business with his wife, Joan, in 1974.

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In addition to offering outdoor equipment for self-propelled outdoor activities, the Williamses served as a resource for experiencing the unique landscape of south Louisiana.

"They basically brought a strange way of thinking to Acadiana," said Scott Coco of Cajun Cyclists. "They showed people how to enjoy the outdoors — not through hunting or fishing but through camping, hiking, paddling and cycling."

Coco met the Williamses in the mid-1980s when he decided to purchase a bicycle with his brother. Although the brothers crashed the store's bikes during a test ride, the Williamses encouraged them to continue cycling.

"They don't just sell you the boat or the bike or whatever," Coco said. "They keep you engaged with training and trips and excursions and seminars. If we'd bought those bicycles and Pack and Paddle hadn't kept us interested, I probably would have sold my bike a long time ago and wouldn't be riding today. I thank Joan and Doc for that.

"I wouldn't say it's an overstatement that they saved my life by showing me a healthier way of living, and it's not an understatement that they've made my life a lot better. That's why I feel such a sense of loss. What Doc created was more than just a store."

Pack and Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook Road, has been owned and operated by Williams' son John and daughter-in-law Becky for about 20 years.

"It's with a heavy heart that we want to let the P&P family know that my dad 'Doc' Williams passed away last night at his home here in Lafayette," said a Thursday post on the Pack and Paddle Facebook page.

"My mom and dad were innovators way ahead of their time. My mom would dream it up and my dad would figure out how to get it done. Like Becky and I, they were in business to change our world. I know many in Lafayette who would agree with me in saying that they succeeded."

Through Pack and Paddle, the Williamses led outdoor tours, marked bike routes and supported tourism in Acadiana through the creation of the Cajun Man Triathlon, Randonnee Ecrevisse, Atchafalaya Adventure Race and Cycle Zydeco, according to Williams' obituary.

They were involved in preserving natural areas, such as designating 135 miles of the Buffalo River in northern Arkansas as the first national river managed by the National Park Service.

They also started French Louisiana Bike Tours in 1984, published a guidebook called "Canoeing in Louisiana" in 1985 and worked with the state tourism department to create a website devoted to bicycling in Louisiana in 2003.

"It started with them, and it continues today," John Williams wrote in an email to The Acadiana Advocate Thursday night. "We stand for protecting and enhancing access to wild places both on-water and on-trail. And we know to do it we have to get folks out experiencing the incredible landscape we have for adventure here in south Louisiana."

Pack and Paddle will continue to operate as it has for the last 45 years.

"My mom and dad were so important in their roles during their time at Pack and Paddle," John Williams said. "But the shop has moved into a new era and we are still as fresh as we have ever been."

Martin and Castille Funeral Home's downtown location is handling funeral arrangements. A Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Saint Mary Catholic Church at 419 Doucet Road. The Rev. F. Hampton Davis III of our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church will officiate the memorial services.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Martin and Castille, 330 St. Landry St.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Suite 200.