Zak Williams remembers his father, Robin Williams, as compassionate and kind.
While speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at the 12th Annual Bring Change to Mind Revels & Revelations event, the late actor and comedian’s oldest son discussed Robin’s passion for assisting those 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—and say, ‘Hey boss, what can I do for you?'” he recounts. “And we’d see him get meals, food, and money.”
Zak, 41, thinks his father’s kindness was heartwarming and inspirational. “He cared deeply about people in need, and I think for me, he opened my eyes to what kindness was really all about,” he says.
Since Robin died at the age of 63 in 2014, Zak, together with his siblings Zelda, 35, and Cody, 33, have made it their goal to continue on their father’s philanthropic legacy. “It was deeply important to him to help improve the human condition, and that extends beyond helping people laugh and learn about themselves,” he tells the publication.
“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,” said Zak, whom Robin welcomed with his first wife, Valerie Velardi, in 1983.
The siblings are thrilled to continue the “extremely important” task that was so meaningful to the Good Will Hunting star.
“We view it as a logical continuation of what he would want: to help people recover and create resilience, particularly among young people. “He loved children,” Zak tells PEOPLE. “And as a family, we feel it’s a natural way to honor his legacy.”
Zak, the chairman of Glenn Close’s organization, Bring Change to Mind, which seeks to eradicate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, continues to pay respect to Robin on social media. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the actor’s passing, he posted a cheerful photo of him from Mork & Mindy on Instagram in August.
“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 went on to say, “Every day, you inspire me to do whatever I can to help create a more connected and loving world for our family.” I love you forever. ❤️️”
On July 21, which would have been Robin’s 73rd birthday, Zak wrote a message on X (previously Twitter) about how his father influenced so many people’s lives.
“I remember you for all the hope and joy you brought to the world,” he said in an email. “Not a week goes by without someone telling me about how you helped them get through a difficult moment. I am incredibly grateful to be your kid. “I love you forever.”