Big memorial for Robin Williams despite Westboro protest threat

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An iconic Bay Area tunnel, commonly known as the Waldo Tunnel or Rainbow Tunnel, will be named after the late actor Robin Williams.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Robin Williams performs at the Universal Amphitheater on July 1, 1979 (Tony Barnard / Los Angeles Times)

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Robin Williams stars as Popeye the sailor man, whose secret source of strength turns out to be spinach, with Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl, in 1980’s “Popeye.” (File / AFP/Getty Images)

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Robin Williams performs at the Universal Amphitheater on Aug. 16, 1982. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

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In 1984’s “Moscow on the Hudson,” Robin Williams plays Vladimir Ivanoff, a saxophonist in the Moscow circus who defects to the U.S. Here, Williams is pictured with actor Cleavant Derricks and director Paul Mazursky. (Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images)

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Robin Williams in San Francisco in 1991. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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Robin Williams speaks to the media backstage after his performance at the Sam Kinison tribute held at the Celebrity Theatre in Anaheim, Sept. 3, 1992. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

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In 1993’s “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Robin Williams plays Daniel Hillard, an irresponsible father who creates an alter-ego in the form of a nanny in order to spend time with his children. (Phil Bray / Los Angeles Times)

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Robin Williams plays Alan Parrish, a man who was trapped in a board game for 26 years in 1995’s “Jumanji.” He costarred with Bonnie Hunt. (Rob McEwan / Los Angeles Times)

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Robin William plays Armand Goldman, owner of a South Beach drag club who must hide his same-sex relationship with Albert (Nathan Lane) from their son’s future in-laws in the 1996 film “The Birdcage.” (Lorey Sebastian / Los Angeles Times)

By Los Angeles Times Staff

Aug. 18, 2014 1:07 PM PT

Robin Williams was remembered at a service Sunday as a gifted actor who also was a big supporter of charity in San Francisco.

“He was just a good laugh and a good soul with what he said and what he did and how he did it,” said Rev. Cecil Williams of Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco.

A packed crowd at the church came to say goodbye to Williams, according to NBC Bay Area.

The service occurred without interruption even though some members of the Westboro Baptist Church suggested on Twitter last week that they might picket Williams’ memorials.

Bay Area media organizations have said the actor’s family plans an intimate memorial for the actor. MTV reported there might also be a comedy benefit concert for charity sometime later in Marin County.

Westboro, a Kansas-based group know for hate-filled protests sometimes targeting gays and their supporters, had mentioned the idea of a protest on Twitter several times in recent days. But some who track the group note it often threatens protests that never materialize.

There has been an outpouring of support for Williams and his family since his death last week.

Williams was found dead by his personal assistant last Monday inside his Tiburon, Calif., home. Authorities said it appeared the cause of death was “asphyxia due to hanging,” although toxicology reports will take weeks.

On Thursday, his wife, Susan Schneider, said in a statement that Williams’ sobriety was intact as “he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.”

Big memorial for Robin Williams despite Westboro protest threat

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